Is Spur, 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 ↓
69/100
waterverge.com Spur, TX — Water Quality Report
Spur's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,600 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 39 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Spur's water
Spur ranks #594 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, Spur 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 Spur, TX water safe to drink?
Spur's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,600 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Spur
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spur's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Spur'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
Spur's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dickens 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 Spur's water come from?
Spur's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,600 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Spur residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spur'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 droughtCrosby 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
Dickens 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Spur'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. | 2.1 | 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. | 2.09 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.090 mg/L (2025)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Spur compares by contaminant
Explore where Spur ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Spur's water comes from
Spur'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 1,600 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Spur
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SPUR | TX0630012 | 800 | SWP |
| WHITE RIVER MWD | TX0540015 | 560 | SW |
| VALLEY WSC | TX0630013 | 240 | SWP |
How Spur compares
Full Texas rankings →Spur's score of 69/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Spur, TX
Wikipedia →Spur is a city in Dickens County, Texas, United States. The population was 863 at the 2020 census, down from 1,318 at the 2010 census. A city council resolution passed in July 2014 proclaimed Spur the "nation's first tiny house-friendly town."
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Spur's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dickens
Frequently asked questions
Is Spur, TX tap water safe to drink?
Spur's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #594 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Spur's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Spur'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 Spur?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Spur's water come from?
Spur's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,600 residents.
What health violations has Spur's water system had?
Spur has 6 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. 19 violations remain unresolved.
How does Spur's water compare to other cities?
Spur ranks #594 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 44% of state cities) and #10995 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.