Is San Saba, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 47 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51/100
waterverge.com San Saba, TX — Water Quality Report
San Saba's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,984 residents using groundwater.
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 181 violations on record, including 105 health-based violations. 47 remain unresolved.
What to know about San Saba's water
San Saba ranks #760 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
San Saba 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.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is San Saba, TX water safe to drink?
San Saba's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,984 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for San Saba
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into San Saba's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Saba's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
San Saba's water system has 181 total violations on record, including 105 health-based violations. 47 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Saba County has experienced 4 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 San Saba Rv At San Saba.
Where does San Saba's water come from?
San Saba's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,984 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include San Saba Rv At San Saba (river).
What San Saba residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in San Saba'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 Saba'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
Flood & disaster history
San Saba County has experienced 4 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 San Saba compares by contaminant
Explore where San Saba ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where San Saba's water comes from
San Saba'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 3,984 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near San Saba
San Saba is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving San Saba
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SAN SABA | TX2060001 | 3,099 | GW |
| NORTH SAN SABA WSC | TX2060003 | 885 | GWP |
How San Saba compares
Full Texas rankings →San Saba's score of 51/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About San Saba, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to San Saba's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Saba
Frequently asked questions
Is San Saba, TX tap water safe to drink?
San Saba's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #760 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in San Saba's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 181 violations are on record.
How is San Saba'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 Saba?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does San Saba's water come from?
San Saba's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,984 residents.
What health violations has San Saba's water system had?
San Saba has 105 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 47 violations remain unresolved.
Is San Saba's groundwater at risk of contamination?
San Saba 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 181 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 San Saba's water compare to other cities?
San Saba ranks #760 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 29% of state cities) and #12923 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.