Is Runaway Bay, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Runaway Bay, TX — Water Quality Report
Runaway Bay's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,458 residents using 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 98 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Runaway Bay's water
Runaway Bay ranks #863 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, Runaway Bay may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Runaway Bay, TX water safe to drink?
Runaway Bay's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,458 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Runaway Bay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Runaway Bay's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane 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 Runaway Bay's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Runaway Bay's water system has 98 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wise 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 Big Ck Nr Chico, Bridgeport Res Abv Bridgeport.
Where does Runaway Bay's water come from?
Runaway Bay's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,458 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Big Ck Nr Chico (river), Bridgeport Res Abv Bridgeport (lake).
What Runaway Bay residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Runaway Bay'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 Runaway Bay
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Runaway Bay, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CRISP INDUSTRIES LLC BRIDGEPORT, TX76426 | Manganese | 5 | 7.4 mi |
BRIDGEPORT GAS PROCESSING PLANT BRIDGEPORT, TX76426 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
CHICO PLANT CHICO, TX76431 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wise 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 Runaway Bay compares by contaminant
Explore where Runaway Bay ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Runaway Bay's water comes from
Runaway Bay'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 2,458 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay 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 Runaway Bay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF RUNAWAY BAY | TX2490017 | 2,458 | SW |
How Runaway Bay compares
Full Texas rankings →Runaway Bay's score of 46/100 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 Runaway Bay, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Runaway Bay's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wise
Frequently asked questions
Is Runaway Bay, TX tap water safe to drink?
Runaway Bay's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #863 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Runaway Bay's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 98 violations are on record.
How is Runaway Bay'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 Runaway Bay?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Runaway Bay's water come from?
Runaway Bay's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,458 residents.
What health violations has Runaway Bay's water system had?
Runaway Bay has 28 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. 20 violations remain unresolved.
How does Runaway Bay's water compare to other cities?
Runaway Bay ranks #863 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 19% of state cities) and #14006 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Runaway Bay's small water system affect quality?
Runaway Bay's system serves approximately 2,458 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 98 violations on record.