Is Silverton, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 45 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Silverton, TX — Water Quality Report
Silverton's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 808 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 133 violations on record, including 62 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved.
What to know about Silverton's water
Silverton ranks #869 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Silverton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Silverton, TX water safe to drink?
Silverton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 808 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Silverton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Silverton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Silverton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Silverton's water system has 133 total violations on record, including 62 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Briscoe 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. Local water sources include Mackenzie Res Nr Silverton, Rock Ck Trib Nr Silverton.
Where does Silverton's water come from?
Silverton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 808 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mackenzie Res Nr Silverton (lake), Rock Ck Trib Nr Silverton (river).
What Silverton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Silverton'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBriscoe County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Briscoe 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Silverton compares by contaminant
Explore where Silverton ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Silverton's water comes from
Silverton'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 808 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Silverton
Silverton 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 Silverton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVERTON MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM | TX0230001 | 597 | SWP |
| MACKENZIE MUNICIPAL WATER AUTHORITY | TX0230004 | 126 | SW |
| CORONADO SHORES WATER SYSTEM | TX0230005 | 85 | GW |
How Silverton compares
Full Texas rankings →Silverton's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Silverton, TX
Wikipedia →Silverton is a city in and the county seat of Briscoe County, Texas, United States. The population was 629 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Silverton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Briscoe
Frequently asked questions
Is Silverton, TX tap water safe to drink?
Silverton's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #869 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Silverton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 133 violations are on record.
How is Silverton'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 Silverton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Silverton's water come from?
Silverton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 808 residents.
What health violations has Silverton's water system had?
Silverton has 62 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 45 violations remain unresolved.
How does Silverton's water compare to other cities?
Silverton ranks #869 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 19% of state cities) and #14073 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.