Is Spicewood, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
69.9/100
waterverge.com Spicewood, TX — Water Quality Report
Spicewood's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 687 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 42 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Spicewood's water
Spicewood ranks #577 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average 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, Spicewood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Spicewood, TX water safe to drink?
Spicewood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 687 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Spicewood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spicewood's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Spicewood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Spicewood's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Burnet County has experienced 3 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 Lcra Lk Marble Falls Nr Marble Falls.
Where does Spicewood's water come from?
Spicewood's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 687 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lcra Lk Marble Falls Nr Marble Falls (lake).
What Spicewood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spicewood'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.
Spicewood'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 droughtBurnet 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
Burnet County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Spicewood's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.700 mg/L (2014)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Spicewood compares by contaminant
Explore where Spicewood ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Spicewood's water comes from
Spicewood'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 687 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Spicewood
Spicewood is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Spicewood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINDERMERE OAKS WSC | TX0270035 | 462 | SW |
| HAZY HILLS WSC | TX2270091 | 135 | GW |
| TONKAWA WSC | TX2270112 | 90 | GW |
How Spicewood compares
Full Texas rankings →Spicewood's score of 69.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Spicewood, TX
Wikipedia →Spicewood is an unincorporated community primarily in Burnet County but also in Travis County and Blanco County, Texas, United States. According to the Texas Almanac, the community had an estimated population of 2,000 in 2000. But in the 2011 census, the community had a population of 7,666. The community also extends towards Travis County off Highway 71.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Spicewood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Burnet
Frequently asked questions
Is Spicewood, TX tap water safe to drink?
Spicewood's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #577 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Spicewood's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Spicewood'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 Spicewood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Spicewood's water come from?
Spicewood's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 687 residents.
How does Spicewood's water compare to other cities?
Spicewood ranks #577 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 46% of state cities) and #10840 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.