Is Sunray, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.9/100
waterverge.com Sunray, TX — Water Quality Report
Sunray's drinking water received a grade of B (76.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,709 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 9 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sunray's water
Sunray ranks #443 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sunray 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, Sunray may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sunray, TX water safe to drink?
Sunray's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,709 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sunray
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sunray's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: 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 Sunray's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sunray's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Moore 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 Sunray's water come from?
Sunray's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,709 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sunray residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sunray'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Sunray
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sunray, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 506 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DIAMOND SHAMROCK REFINING CO LP SUNRAY, TX79086 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 506 | 5.4 mi |
JBS SWIFT CACTUS CACTUS, TX79013 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
CONTINENTAL CARBON CO SUNRAY SUNRAY, TX79086 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
ETC TEXAS PIPELINE LTD. SUNRAY GAS PLANT SUNRAY, TX79086 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
VALERO PARTNERS MCKEE SUNRAY, TX79086 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMoore 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
Moore 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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sunray compares by contaminant
Explore where Sunray ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sunray's water comes from
Sunray'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 1,709 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sunray
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SUNRAY | TX1710002 | 1,709 | GW |
How Sunray compares
Full Texas rankings →Sunray's score of 76.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Sunray, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sunray's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Moore
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunray, TX tap water safe to drink?
Sunray's water quality earned a grade of B (76.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #443 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Sunray's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Sunray'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 Sunray?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sunray's water come from?
Sunray's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,709 residents.
What health violations has Sunray's water system had?
Sunray has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sunray's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sunray 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 9 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 Sunray's water compare to other cities?
Sunray ranks #443 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 58% of state cities) and #9157 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.
Does Sunray's small water system affect quality?
Sunray's system serves approximately 1,709 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 9 violations on record.