Is Sierra Blanca, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63.4/100
waterverge.com Sierra Blanca, TX — Water Quality Report
Sierra Blanca's drinking water received a grade of C (63.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,447 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 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 52 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sierra Blanca's water
Sierra Blanca ranks #658 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sierra Blanca 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.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sierra Blanca, TX water safe to drink?
Sierra Blanca's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,447 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sierra Blanca
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sierra Blanca's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.4/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Sierra Blanca's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sierra Blanca's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hudspeth County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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.
Where does Sierra Blanca's water come from?
Sierra Blanca's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,447 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sierra Blanca residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sierra Blanca'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
Flood & disaster history
Hudspeth County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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. | 2.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sierra Blanca compares by contaminant
Explore where Sierra Blanca ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sierra Blanca's water comes from
Sierra Blanca'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 3,447 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Sierra Blanca
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUDSPETH COUNTY WCID 1 | TX1150007 | 2,045 | GW |
| WEST TEXAS DETENTION CENTER | TX1150015 | 1,402 | GW |
How Sierra Blanca compares
Full Texas rankings →Sierra Blanca's score of 63.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Sierra Blanca, TX
Wikipedia →Sierra Blanca is a census-designated place (CDP) in, and the county seat of, Hudspeth County, Texas, United States. The town is part of the Trans-Pecos region of far West Texas, is located northeast of the Mexican border and is within the Mountain Time Zone. As of the 2020 census, its population was 315.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sierra Blanca's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hudspeth
Frequently asked questions
Is Sierra Blanca, TX tap water safe to drink?
Sierra Blanca's water quality earned a grade of C (63.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #658 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Sierra Blanca's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Sierra Blanca'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 Sierra Blanca?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sierra Blanca's water come from?
Sierra Blanca's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,447 residents.
What health violations has Sierra Blanca's water system had?
Sierra Blanca has 3 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. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sierra Blanca's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sierra Blanca 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 52 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 Sierra Blanca's water compare to other cities?
Sierra Blanca ranks #658 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 38% of state cities) and #11759 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.