Is Ross, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.1/100
waterverge.com Ross, TX — Water Quality Report
Ross's drinking water received a grade of A (90.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,589 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 12 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ross's water
Ross ranks #36 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Ross 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, Ross may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ross, TX water safe to drink?
Ross's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,589 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ross
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ross's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3277). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ross's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ross's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McLennan 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 Waco Lk Nr Waco.
Where does Ross's water come from?
Ross's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,589 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Waco Lk Nr Waco (lake).
What Ross residents can do
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.
Ross'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Ross
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ross, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 387,103 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SANDERSON FARMS LLC WACO, TX76705 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 387,103 | 8.0 mi |
GHOLSON READY MIX WACO, TX76705 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 7.8 mi |
FLEETWOOD HOMES INC. WACO, TX76704 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORP WACO PROCESSING PLANT WACO, TX76705 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
PRECISE HARD CHROME LLC WACO, TX76708 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMcLennan County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
McLennan 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ross compares by contaminant
Explore where Ross ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ross's water comes from
Ross'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 2,589 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ross
Ross is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ross
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROSS WSC | TX1550042 | 2,589 | GW |
How Ross compares
Full Texas rankings →Ross's score of 90.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Ross, TX
Wikipedia →Ross is a rural city in McLennan County, Texas, United States. The population was 245 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ross's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclennan
Frequently asked questions
Is Ross, TX tap water safe to drink?
Ross's water quality earned a grade of A (90.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #36 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Ross's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Ross'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 Ross?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ross's water come from?
Ross's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,589 residents.
What health violations has Ross's water system had?
Ross has 1 health-based violation 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ross's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ross 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 12 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 Ross's water compare to other cities?
Ross ranks #36 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 97% of state cities) and #2402 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ross's small water system affect quality?
Ross's system serves approximately 2,589 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 12 violations on record.