Is Roscoe, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 36 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50.7/100
Roscoe, TX — Water Quality Report
Roscoe's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,238 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 139 violations on record, including 71 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.
What to know about Roscoe's water
Roscoe ranks #766 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Roscoe 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, Roscoe may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roscoe, TX water safe to drink?
Roscoe's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,238 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roscoe
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roscoe's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1606). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Roscoe's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Roscoe's water system has 139 total violations on record, including 71 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nolan County has experienced 2 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.
Where does Roscoe's water come from?
Roscoe's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,238 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Roscoe residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Roscoe'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Roscoe
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Roscoe, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PVS DX INC SWEETWATER, TX79556 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
LUDLUM MEASUREMENTS INC SWEETWATER, TX79556 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtNolan 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
Nolan County has experienced 2 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Roscoe compares by contaminant
Explore where Roscoe ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roscoe's water comes from
Roscoe'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 1,238 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Roscoe
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF ROSCOE | TX1770001 | 1,238 | GW |
How Roscoe compares
Full Texas rankings →Roscoe's score of 50.7/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Roscoe, TX
Wikipedia →Roscoe is a city in Nolan County in the U.S. state of Texas near the intersection of Interstate 20 and US Highway 84. The Union Pacific Railroad passes through the center of the city. The population was 1,271 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roscoe's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nolan
Frequently asked questions
Is Roscoe, TX tap water safe to drink?
Roscoe's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #766 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Roscoe's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 139 violations are on record.
How is Roscoe'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 Roscoe?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roscoe's water come from?
Roscoe's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,238 residents.
What health violations has Roscoe's water system had?
Roscoe has 71 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. 36 violations remain unresolved.
Is Roscoe's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roscoe 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 139 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 Roscoe's water compare to other cities?
Roscoe ranks #766 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 28% of state cities) and #12975 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Roscoe's small water system affect quality?
Roscoe's system serves approximately 1,238 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 139 violations on record.