Is Robert Lee, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 35 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Robert Lee, TX — Water Quality Report
Robert Lee's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,435 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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 284 violations on record, including 179 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
What to know about Robert Lee's water
Robert Lee ranks #787 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Robert Lee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 29 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Robert Lee, TX water safe to drink?
Robert Lee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,435 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Robert Lee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Robert Lee's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Robert Lee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Robert Lee's water system has 284 total violations on record, including 179 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved. 29 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Coke County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include E. V. Spence Res Nr Robert Lee, Colorado Rv At Robert Lee.
Where does Robert Lee's water come from?
Robert Lee's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,435 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include E. V. Spence Res Nr Robert Lee (lake), Colorado Rv At Robert Lee (river).
What Robert Lee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Robert Lee'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.
Robert Lee'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
Flood & disaster history
Coke County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Robert Lee compares by contaminant
Explore where Robert Lee ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Robert Lee's water comes from
Robert Lee's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,435 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Robert Lee
Robert Lee is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Robert Lee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF ROBERT LEE | TX0410002 | 1,025 | SWP |
| COKE COUNTY WSC | TX0410017 | 410 | SWP |
How Robert Lee compares
Full Texas rankings →Robert Lee's score of 49/100 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 Robert Lee, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Robert Lee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Coke
Frequently asked questions
Is Robert Lee, TX tap water safe to drink?
Robert Lee's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #787 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Robert Lee's water?
Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 284 violations are on record.
How is Robert Lee'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 Robert Lee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Robert Lee's water come from?
Robert Lee's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,435 residents.
What health violations has Robert Lee's water system had?
Robert Lee has 179 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 35 violations remain unresolved.
How does Robert Lee's water compare to other cities?
Robert Lee ranks #787 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 26% of state cities) and #13364 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.