Is Sour Lake, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.1/100
waterverge.com Sour Lake, TX — Water Quality Report
Sour Lake's drinking water received a grade of B (77.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,110 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 25 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sour Lake's water
Sour Lake ranks #440 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sour Lake 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, Sour Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sour Lake, TX water safe to drink?
Sour Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,110 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sour Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sour Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sour Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sour Lake's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hardin County has experienced 8 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 Pine Island Bayou Nr Sour Lake.
Where does Sour Lake's water come from?
Sour Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,110 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pine Island Bayou Nr Sour Lake (river).
What Sour Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sour Lake'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.
Sour Lake'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHardin 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
Hardin County has experienced 8 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 Sour Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Sour Lake ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sour Lake's water comes from
Sour Lake'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 3,110 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Sour Lake
Sour Lake is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sour Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SOUR LAKE | TX1000003 | 1,854 | GW |
| HARDIN COUNTY WCID 1 | TX1000016 | 1,256 | GW |
How Sour Lake compares
Full Texas rankings →Sour Lake's score of 77.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Sour Lake, TX
Wikipedia →Sour Lake is a city in Hardin County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,773 at the 2020 census. It was originally named "Sour Lake Springs", after the sulphurous spring water that flowed into the nearby lake. The city is part of the Beaumont–Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area. Sour Lake is the oldest surviving town in Hardin County. It is called by some the "Gateway to the Big Thicket".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sour Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hardin
Frequently asked questions
Is Sour Lake, TX tap water safe to drink?
Sour Lake's water quality earned a grade of B (77.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #440 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Sour Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Sour Lake'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 Sour Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sour Lake's water come from?
Sour Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,110 residents.
What health violations has Sour Lake's water system had?
Sour Lake has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sour Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sour Lake 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 25 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 Sour Lake's water compare to other cities?
Sour Lake ranks #440 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 59% of state cities) and #9101 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.