Is Shiner, 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 ↓
85.8/100
waterverge.com Shiner, TX — Water Quality Report
Shiner's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,127 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shiner's water
Shiner ranks #180 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Shiner 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, Shiner may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shiner, TX water safe to drink?
Shiner's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,127 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shiner
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shiner's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4332). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shiner's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shiner's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lavaca County has experienced 5 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 Peach Ck Bl Dilworth, Guadalupe Rv At Hwy 183 Nr Hochheim.
Where does Shiner's water come from?
Shiner's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,127 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Peach Ck Bl Dilworth (river), Guadalupe Rv At Hwy 183 Nr Hochheim (river).
What Shiner residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shiner'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.
Shiner'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 Shiner
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shiner, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RANCH HAND - 153 SHINER, TX77984 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
SPOETZL BREWERY INC SHINER, TX77984 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
YOAKUM CRYOGENIC PLANT YOAKUM, TX77995 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
EOG RESOURCES INC SHINER HUB GONZALES, TX78629 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLavaca 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
Lavaca County has experienced 5 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shiner compares by contaminant
Explore where Shiner ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shiner's water comes from
Shiner'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 2,127 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Shiner
Shiner is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shiner
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SHINER | TX1430003 | 2,127 | GW |
How Shiner compares
Full Texas rankings →Shiner's score of 85.8/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Shiner, TX
Wikipedia →Shiner is a city in Lavaca County, Texas, United States. The town was named after Henry B. Shiner, who donated 250 acres (1.0 km2) for a railroad right-of-way. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 2,127. Shiner was founded by German and Czech emigrants.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shiner's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lavaca
Frequently asked questions
Is Shiner, TX tap water safe to drink?
Shiner's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #180 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Shiner's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Shiner'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 Shiner?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shiner's water come from?
Shiner's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,127 residents.
Is Shiner's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shiner 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 4 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 Shiner's water compare to other cities?
Shiner ranks #180 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 83% of state cities) and #5103 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Shiner's small water system affect quality?
Shiner's system serves approximately 2,127 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 4 violations on record.