01The verdict: is Sargent water safe?
Sargent's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,328 residents using groundwater (wells).
26 unresolved violations on record
EPA records show open compliance items for this system. Most are administrative, but unresolved items are worth watching.
See what was cited ↓3K people, 2 systems
All figures on this page come from federal EPA compliance and testing data for the systems serving this city.
See the systems ↓57 violations in the last five years
Recent compliance history is the best predictor of future problems — the year-by-year record is below.
See the record ↓Sargent's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,328 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.5 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program. The system has 106 violations on record, including 76 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
Sargent ranks #942 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state. Sargent 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. While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection. The system has seen 57 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
02What's in Sargent's water
Every contaminant flagged in Sargent, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
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. | 6.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in Texas
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in Texas
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03Sargent's ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 106 violations on record, including 76 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
1 of the last ten years was clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.
▲ Up 0.76 ppb since 1994. Latest reading: 4.2 ppb (2024) — 28% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where Sargent's water comes from
Sargent's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater
Underground aquifers reached by wells — naturally filtered, but can carry minerals like arsenic and nitrate.
Local treatment
Groundwater generally needs less treatment — typically disinfection and, where needed, mineral removal.
2 systems
2 water systems (1 wholesaler), operated under local government ownership.
3,328 people
Residents served across Sargent's service area.
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 3,328 people through 2 water systems.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANEY CREEK MUD OF MATAGORDA COUNTY | TX1610087 | 2,764 | Groundwater |
| MATAGORDA COUNTY WCID 2 | TX1610016 | 564 | Groundwater |
05How Sargent compares
Scores for nearby Texas cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = Texas average (46/100)
Sargent scores 43/100 — on par with the Texas average of 46/100. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities. Full Texas rankings →
27.8 / 100FSan Antonio, TX
33.1 / 100FAustin, TX
31.2 / 100FDallas, TX
36.2 / 100FFort Worth, TX
34.5 / 100FEl Paso, TX
35.8 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
06What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in Sargent's water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
NSF-certified water filter. Lead detected at 6.5 ppb
Compare tested filters →Flush taps & check your service line
Lead leaches from pipes as water sits. Run cold water 30 seconds before drinking (especially mornings), and ask the utility whether your address still has a lead service line.
Lead risks explained →Watch for Sargent alerts
We refresh EPA data monthly and surface new violations, advisories, and boil-water notices for your county on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is Sargent, TX tap water safe to drink?
Sargent's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #942 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Sargent's water?
Lead was measured at 6.5 ppb (90th percentile). 106 violations are on record.
How is Sargent'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 Sargent?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sargent's water come from?
Sargent's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,328 residents.
What health violations has Sargent's water system had?
Sargent has 76 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 Sargent's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sargent 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 106 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 Sargent's water compare to other cities?
Sargent ranks #942 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 12% of state cities) and #14365 out of 15382 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.