Is Somerville, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
56.6/100
waterverge.com Somerville, TX — Water Quality Report
Somerville's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,383 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 135 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Somerville's water
Somerville ranks #728 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Somerville 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.03 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Somerville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Somerville, TX water safe to drink?
Somerville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,383 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Somerville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Somerville's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Somerville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Somerville's water system has 135 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Burleson 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 Somerville Lk Nr Somerville, Yegua Ck Nr Somerville, Davidson Ck Nr Lyons.
Where does Somerville's water come from?
Somerville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,383 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Somerville Lk Nr Somerville (lake), Yegua Ck Nr Somerville (river), Davidson Ck Nr Lyons (river).
What Somerville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Somerville'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.
Somerville'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 Somerville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Somerville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KOPPERS INC (SOMERVILLE TX) SOMERVILLE, TX77879 | Creosote | 3 | 1.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBurleson 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
Burleson 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Somerville compares by contaminant
Explore where Somerville ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Somerville's water comes from
Somerville'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 2,383 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Somerville
Somerville is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Somerville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SOMERVILLE | TX0260002 | 1,556 | GW |
| YEGUA WATER SYSTEM | TX0260039 | 487 | GW |
| BIRCH CREEK RECREATION WSC | TX0260006 | 340 | GWP |
How Somerville compares
Full Texas rankings →Somerville's score of 56.6/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Somerville, TX
Wikipedia →Somerville is a city in Burleson County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,312 at the 2020 census. Somerville is named for Albert Somerville the first president of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Somerville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Burleson
Frequently asked questions
Is Somerville, TX tap water safe to drink?
Somerville's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #728 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Somerville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 135 violations are on record.
How is Somerville'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 Somerville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Somerville's water come from?
Somerville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,383 residents.
What health violations has Somerville's water system had?
Somerville has 17 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. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Somerville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Somerville 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 135 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 Somerville's water compare to other cities?
Somerville ranks #728 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 32% of state cities) and #12442 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.