Is Rowena, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Rowena, TX — Water Quality Report
Rowena's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 528 residents using purchased surface water.
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 212 violations on record, including 124 health-based violations. 77 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rowena's water
Rowena ranks #970 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, Rowena may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 72 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rowena, TX water safe to drink?
Rowena's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 528 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rowena
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rowena's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Rowena's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Rowena's water system has 212 total violations on record, including 124 health-based violations. 77 remain unresolved. 72 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Runnels County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Colorado Rv Nr Ballinger, Elm Ck At Ballinger, Concho Rv At Paint Rock.
Where does Rowena's water come from?
Rowena's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 528 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Colorado Rv Nr Ballinger (river), Elm Ck At Ballinger (river), Concho Rv At Paint Rock (river).
What Rowena residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rowena'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 Rowena
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rowena, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MUELLER SUPPLY CO INC. BALLINGER, TX76821 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
BUDDY'S PLANT PLUS CORP BALLINGER, TX76821 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Runnels County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Rowena's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.58 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rowena compares by contaminant
Explore where Rowena ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rowena's water comes from
Rowena'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 528 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rowena
Rowena is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rowena
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROWENA WSC | TX2000004 | 528 | SWP |
How Rowena compares
Full Texas rankings →Rowena's score of 42/100 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 Rowena, TX
Wikipedia →Rowena is an unincorporated community and census designated place (CDP) in southwestern Runnels County, Texas, United States, designed by Paul J. Baron in 1898. According to the US Census, the population was estimated at 483 in 2000, an increase of 3% from the 446 recorded in the 1990 census. The United States Postal Service estimates the population at 714. The elevation is 1759 feet above sea level.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rowena's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Runnels
Frequently asked questions
Is Rowena, TX tap water safe to drink?
Rowena's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #970 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Rowena's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 212 violations are on record.
How is Rowena'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 Rowena?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rowena's water come from?
Rowena's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 528 residents.
What health violations has Rowena's water system had?
Rowena has 124 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 77 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rowena's water compare to other cities?
Rowena ranks #970 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 9% of state cities) and #14926 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rowena's small water system affect quality?
Rowena's system serves approximately 528 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 212 violations on record.