Is Shenandoah, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.7/100
waterverge.com Shenandoah, TX — Water Quality Report
Shenandoah's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,172 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shenandoah's water
Shenandoah ranks #218 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Shenandoah 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shenandoah, TX water safe to drink?
Shenandoah's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,172 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shenandoah
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shenandoah's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shenandoah's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shenandoah's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 W Fk San Jacinto Rv At Fm 2854, Conroe, Alligator Ck At Tx 105, Conroe, Lake Ck At Sendera Ranch Rd Nr Conroe, W Fk San Jacinto Rv Nr Conroe, Stewarts Ck At Silverdale Dr Nr Conroe.
Where does Shenandoah's water come from?
Shenandoah's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 4,172 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include W Fk San Jacinto Rv At Fm 2854, Conroe (river), Alligator Ck At Tx 105, Conroe (river), Lake Ck At Sendera Ranch Rd Nr Conroe (river), W Fk San Jacinto Rv Nr Conroe (river), Stewarts Ck At Silverdale Dr Nr Conroe (river).
What Shenandoah residents can do
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.
Shenandoah'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Shenandoah
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shenandoah, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 711 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BAKER HUGHES - HUGHES CHRISTENSEN THE WOODLANDS, TX77380 | Copper | 645 | 0.8 mi |
HUNTSMAN PETROCHEMICAL LLC CONROE, TX77301 | Nickel | 41 | 9.9 mi |
HALLIBURTON DRILL BITS & SERVICES CONROE, TX77385 | Copper | 25 | 2.3 mi |
TUF-CRETE PLANT CONROE, TX77385 | Lead | 0 | 1.9 mi |
MAVERICK TUBE LLC DBA TENARISCONROE CONROE, TX77301 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Shenandoah
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CONROE CREOSOTING CO9.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMontgomery 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
Montgomery County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 Shenandoah compares by contaminant
Explore where Shenandoah ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shenandoah's water comes from
Shenandoah'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 4,172 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Shenandoah
Shenandoah is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shenandoah
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SHENANDOAH | TX1700002 | 4,172 | GW |
How Shenandoah compares
Full Texas rankings →Shenandoah's score of 84.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Shenandoah, TX
Wikipedia →Shenandoah is a city in Montgomery County, Texas, United States. Its population was 3,499 at the 2020 census. It is the hometown of David Vetter, the famous "boy in the plastic bubble". In 1986, the Shenandoah city council renamed Tamina School Road to David Memorial Drive in honor of Vetter.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shenandoah's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montgomery
Frequently asked questions
Is Shenandoah, TX tap water safe to drink?
Shenandoah's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #218 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Shenandoah's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Shenandoah'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 Shenandoah?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shenandoah's water come from?
Shenandoah's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 4,172 residents.
Is Shenandoah's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shenandoah 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 3 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 Shenandoah's water compare to other cities?
Shenandoah ranks #218 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 80% of state cities) and #5730 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.