Is Scotland, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.4/100
waterverge.com Scotland, TX — Water Quality Report
Scotland's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Scotland's water
Scotland ranks #51 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
As a small community water system, Scotland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Scotland, TX water safe to drink?
Scotland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Scotland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scotland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Scotland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Scotland's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Archer County has experienced 3 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 Little Wichita Rv Nr Archer City, Lk Arrowhead Nr Henrietta.
Where does Scotland's water come from?
Scotland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 900 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Wichita Rv Nr Archer City (river), Lk Arrowhead Nr Henrietta (lake).
What Scotland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Scotland'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.
Scotland'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
D1 — moderate droughtArcher County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Archer County has experienced 3 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Scotland compares by contaminant
Explore where Scotland ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Scotland's water comes from
Scotland'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 900 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Scotland
Scotland 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 Scotland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SCOTLAND | TX0050003 | 900 | SWP |
How Scotland compares
Full Texas rankings →Scotland's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Scotland, TX
Wikipedia →Scotland is a city in Archer County in the U.S. state of Texas. It is part of the Wichita Falls, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 413 at the 2020 census. The town is named for its founder, Henry J. Scott.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Scotland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Archer
Frequently asked questions
Is Scotland, TX tap water safe to drink?
Scotland's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #51 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Scotland's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Scotland'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 Scotland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Scotland's water come from?
Scotland's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 900 residents.
How does Scotland's water compare to other cities?
Scotland ranks #51 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 95% of state cities) and #2854 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Scotland's small water system affect quality?
Scotland's system serves approximately 900 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 9 violations on record.