Is Rotan, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 105 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
41/100
waterverge.com Rotan, TX — Water Quality Report
Rotan's drinking water received a grade of F (41 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,682 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 166 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 105 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rotan's water
Rotan ranks #993 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Rotan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 80 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rotan, TX water safe to drink?
Rotan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,682 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rotan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rotan's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4272). 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 Rotan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rotan's water system has 166 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 105 remain unresolved. 80 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fisher 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. Local water sources include Clear Fk Brazos Rv Nr Roby.
Where does Rotan's water come from?
Rotan's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,682 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Clear Fk Brazos Rv Nr Roby (river).
What Rotan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rotan'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 Rotan
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rotan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GOLD BOND BUILDING PRODUCTS - ROTAN ROTAN, TX79546 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFisher 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
Fisher 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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rotan compares by contaminant
Explore where Rotan ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rotan's water comes from
Rotan'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 2,682 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Rotan
Rotan is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rotan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF ROTAN | TX0760002 | 1,983 | SWP |
| D P & R WSC | TX0760013 | 699 | SWP |
How Rotan compares
Full Texas rankings →Rotan's score of 41/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Rotan, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rotan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fisher
Frequently asked questions
Is Rotan, TX tap water safe to drink?
Rotan's water quality earned a grade of F (41/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #993 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Rotan's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 166 violations are on record.
How is Rotan'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 Rotan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rotan's water come from?
Rotan's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,682 residents.
What health violations has Rotan's water system had?
Rotan has 29 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 105 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rotan's water compare to other cities?
Rotan ranks #993 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 7% of state cities) and #15067 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.