WaterVerge

Is Spurger, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B-, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

6K residents served 1 water system PWSID: TX2290037
Overall Score
75 / 100
Violations
13 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#489 of 1067 in Texas Top 62% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
75/100
waterverge.com
B- 75/100

Spurger, TX — Water Quality Report

Spurger's drinking water received a grade of B- (75 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 5,872 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 2 PFAS compounds in the water supply.

The system has 19 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 13 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Spurger's water

Spurger ranks #489 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Spurger 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.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
75 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
31.7/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.2/20
A
2 PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Spurger, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Spurger's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (75/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 5,872 residents using groundwater (wells).

13
Active Violations
0.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 compounds
PFAS Detected
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Spurger

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

PFAS
2 PFAS "forever chemical" compounds detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spurger's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (75/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Disaster
HURRICANE BERYL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Spurger's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (2 compounds) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 33.2000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

PFAS "forever chemicals" detected

UCMR 5 testing found 2 PFAS compounds in Spurger's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.

Compound Level EPA MCL Status
lithium 33.2000 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
6:2 FTS 0.0050 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit

Violation history

Spurger's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 13 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Apr 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Dec 2024 Public Notice Open
Sep 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Dec 2023 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Tyler County has experienced 9 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 B. A. Steinhagen Lk At Town Bluff, Neches Rv Nr Town Bluff.

HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4798
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4781
TROPICAL STORMS MARCO AND LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3540

Where does Spurger's water come from?

Spurger's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 5,872 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include B. A. Steinhagen Lk At Town Bluff (lake), Neches Rv Nr Town Bluff (river).

What Spurger residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spurger's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Spurger'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 6% of limit
Safe Level
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
33.2000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
33.2 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 55% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
2
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

19
Total violations
1
Health-based
13
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

19 Total
13 Active
1 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Lead and Copper Rule
7
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
4
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Ground Water Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2014 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2003 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2020 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Oct 2008 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Nov 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2002
Jul 1992 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1993
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Tyler 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
14.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Jul 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Tyler County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2008. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jul 2024
HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA #4798
May 2024
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4781
Aug 2020
TROPICAL STORMS MARCO AND LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3540
Aug 2017
HURRICANE HARVEY
Hurricane FEMA #4332
Jun 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4272
Mar 2016
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4266

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Spurger's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
2 PFAS compounds detected

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS 0.005 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 33.200 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 7.7 ppb from 1993 (8.5 ppb) to 2024 (0.8 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
5,872
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Spurger's water comes from

Groundwater

Spurger'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 5,872 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Spurger

Spurger is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

B. A. Steinhagen Lk At Town Bluff
lake
Neches Rv Nr Town Bluff
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Spurger

System Name PWSID Population Source
TYLER COUNTY SUD TX2290037 5,872 GW
Regional Comparison

How Spurger compares

Full Texas rankings →

Spurger's score of 75/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Spurger (this city)
75
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Spurger, TX tap water safe to drink?

Spurger's water quality earned a grade of B- (75/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #489 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Spurger's water?

Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 2 PFAS compounds were detected. 19 violations are on record.

How is Spurger'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 Spurger?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Spurger's water come from?

Spurger's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 5,872 residents.

What health violations has Spurger's water system had?

Spurger has 1 health-based violation 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. 13 violations remain unresolved.

Is Spurger's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Spurger 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 19 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 Spurger's water compare to other cities?

Spurger ranks #489 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 54% of state cities) and #9687 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.