Is Sanderson, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52.3/100
waterverge.com Sanderson, TX — Water Quality Report
Sanderson's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 50 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sanderson's water
Sanderson ranks #752 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sanderson 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, Sanderson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sanderson, TX water safe to drink?
Sanderson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sanderson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sanderson's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood 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 Sanderson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sanderson's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Terrell 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.
Where does Sanderson's water come from?
Sanderson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sanderson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sanderson'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 droughtTerrell 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
Terrell 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. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sanderson compares by contaminant
Explore where Sanderson ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sanderson's water comes from
Sanderson'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 800 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sanderson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TERRELL COUNTY WCID 1 | TX2220002 | 800 | GW |
How Sanderson compares
Full Texas rankings →Sanderson's score of 52.3/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Sanderson, TX
Wikipedia →Sanderson is a census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of Terrell County, Texas, United States. The population was 664 at the 2020 census. Sanderson was created in 1882 as a part of neighboring Pecos County. It became the seat of Terrell County in 1905.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sanderson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Terrell
Frequently asked questions
Is Sanderson, TX tap water safe to drink?
Sanderson's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #752 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Sanderson's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 50 violations are on record.
How is Sanderson'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 Sanderson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sanderson's water come from?
Sanderson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
What health violations has Sanderson's water system had?
Sanderson has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sanderson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sanderson 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 50 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 Sanderson's water compare to other cities?
Sanderson ranks #752 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 30% of state cities) and #12779 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sanderson's small water system affect quality?
Sanderson's system serves approximately 800 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 50 violations on record.