Is Riviera, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 43 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Riviera, TX — Water Quality Report
Riviera's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 729 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 242 violations on record, including 79 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved.
What to know about Riviera's water
Riviera ranks #775 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Riviera relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Riviera may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Riviera, TX water safe to drink?
Riviera's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 729 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Riviera
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Riviera's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Riviera's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Riviera's water system has 242 total violations on record, including 79 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kleberg County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2007. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Riviera's water come from?
Riviera's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 729 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Riviera residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Riviera's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Riviera's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtKleberg County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Kleberg County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2007. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Riviera compares by contaminant
Explore where Riviera ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Riviera's water comes from
Riviera's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 729 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Riviera
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIVIERA WCID | TX1370007 | 729 | GW |
How Riviera compares
Full Texas rankings →Riviera's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Riviera, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Riviera's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kleberg
Frequently asked questions
Is Riviera, TX tap water safe to drink?
Riviera's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #775 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Riviera's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 242 violations are on record.
How is Riviera's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Riviera?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Riviera's water come from?
Riviera's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 729 residents.
What health violations has Riviera's water system had?
Riviera has 79 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 43 violations remain unresolved.
Is Riviera's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Riviera uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 242 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Riviera's water compare to other cities?
Riviera ranks #775 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 27% of state cities) and #13179 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Riviera's small water system affect quality?
Riviera's system serves approximately 729 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 242 violations on record.