Is San Augustine, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 44 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com San Augustine, TX — Water Quality Report
San Augustine's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,197 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 173 violations on record, including 96 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved.
What to know about San Augustine's water
San Augustine ranks #855 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.
The system has seen 44 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is San Augustine, TX water safe to drink?
San Augustine'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 4 water systems serve approximately 5,197 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for San Augustine
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into San Augustine's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for San Augustine's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
San Augustine's water system has 173 total violations on record, including 96 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved. 44 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Augustine County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 Ayish Bayou Nr San Augustine.
Where does San Augustine's water come from?
San Augustine's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 5,197 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ayish Bayou Nr San Augustine (river).
What San Augustine residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in San Augustine'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.
San Augustine'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
D2 — severe droughtSan Augustine 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
San Augustine County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 San Augustine compares by contaminant
Explore where San Augustine ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where San Augustine's water comes from
San Augustine'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 5,197 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near San Augustine
San Augustine 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 San Augustine
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SAN AUGUSTINE | TX2030001 | 1,971 | SW |
| SAN AUGUSTINE RURAL WSC | TX2030007 | 1,450 | SWP |
| NEW WSC | TX2030034 | 1,128 | GW |
| DENNING WSC | TX2030004 | 648 | GW |
How San Augustine compares
Full Texas rankings →San Augustine'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 San Augustine, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to San Augustine's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Augustine
Frequently asked questions
Is San Augustine, TX tap water safe to drink?
San Augustine's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #855 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in San Augustine's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 173 violations are on record.
How is San Augustine'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 San Augustine?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does San Augustine's water come from?
San Augustine's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 5,197 residents.
What health violations has San Augustine's water system had?
San Augustine has 96 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. 44 violations remain unresolved.
How does San Augustine's water compare to other cities?
San Augustine ranks #855 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 20% of state cities) and #13954 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.