Is Santo, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.1/100
waterverge.com Santo, TX — Water Quality Report
Santo's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,546 residents using purchased 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 13 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Santo's water
Santo ranks #297 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Santo, TX water safe to drink?
Santo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,546 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Santo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Santo's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4272). 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 Santo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Santo's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Palo Pinto 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 Lk Palo Pinto Nr Santo, Palo Pinto Ck At Water Plant Rd Nr Santo.
Where does Santo's water come from?
Santo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,546 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lk Palo Pinto Nr Santo (lake), Palo Pinto Ck At Water Plant Rd Nr Santo (river).
What Santo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Santo'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 Santo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Santo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RM MILLER POWER PALO PINTO, TX76484 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Palo Pinto 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 Santo compares by contaminant
Explore where Santo ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Santo's water comes from
Santo'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 3,546 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Santo
Santo 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 Santo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANTO SUD | TX1820010 | 3,546 | SWP |
How Santo compares
Full Texas rankings →Santo's score of 82.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Santo, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Santo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Palo Pinto
Frequently asked questions
Is Santo, TX tap water safe to drink?
Santo's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #297 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Santo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Santo'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 Santo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Santo's water come from?
Santo's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,546 residents.
What health violations has Santo's water system had?
Santo 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Santo's water compare to other cities?
Santo ranks #297 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 72% of state cities) and #7160 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.