Is Sabinal, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57.4/100
waterverge.com Sabinal, TX — Water Quality Report
Sabinal's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,211 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 36 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sabinal's water
Sabinal ranks #720 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sabinal 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, Sabinal may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sabinal, TX water safe to drink?
Sabinal's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,211 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sabinal
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sabinal's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sabinal's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sabinal's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Uvalde 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 Sabinal Rv At Sabinal.
Where does Sabinal's water come from?
Sabinal's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,211 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sabinal Rv At Sabinal (river).
What Sabinal residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sabinal'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.
Sabinal'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtUvalde County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Uvalde 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sabinal compares by contaminant
Explore where Sabinal ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sabinal's water comes from
Sabinal'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 2,211 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sabinal
Sabinal is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sabinal
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SABINAL | TX2320001 | 2,211 | GW |
How Sabinal compares
Full Texas rankings →Sabinal's score of 57.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Sabinal, TX
Wikipedia →Sabinal is a city in Uvalde County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,364 at the 2020 census, down from 1,695 in 2010. It is part of the Uvalde, Texas Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sabinal's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Uvalde
Frequently asked questions
Is Sabinal, TX tap water safe to drink?
Sabinal's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #720 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Sabinal's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Sabinal'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 Sabinal?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sabinal's water come from?
Sabinal's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,211 residents.
What health violations has Sabinal's water system had?
Sabinal has 2 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. 26 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sabinal's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sabinal 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 36 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 Sabinal's water compare to other cities?
Sabinal ranks #720 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 33% of state cities) and #12372 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sabinal's small water system affect quality?
Sabinal's system serves approximately 2,211 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 36 violations on record.