Is Sunset Valley, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Sunset Valley, TX — Water Quality Report
Sunset Valley's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,524 residents using purchased surface water.
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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sunset Valley's water
Sunset Valley ranks #25 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.33 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Sunset Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sunset Valley, TX water safe to drink?
Sunset Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,524 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sunset Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sunset Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sunset Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sunset Valley's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Travis County has experienced 9 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 Bull Ck At Loop 360 Nr Austin, Lcra Lk Austin At Austin, Barton Ck At Sh 71 Nr Oak Hill, Barton Ck At Lost Ck Blvd Nr Austin, Barton Ck At Loop 360, Austin.
Where does Sunset Valley's water come from?
Sunset Valley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,524 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bull Ck At Loop 360 Nr Austin (river), Lcra Lk Austin At Austin (lake), Barton Ck At Sh 71 Nr Oak Hill (river), Barton Ck At Lost Ck Blvd Nr Austin (river), Barton Ck At Loop 360, Austin (river).
What Sunset Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sunset Valley'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.
Sunset Valley'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Sunset Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sunset Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CMC STEEL FABRICATORS INC (DBA CMC CAPITOL CITY STEEL) BUDA, TX78610 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 2 | 9.4 mi |
FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST - AUSTIN AUSTIN, TX78702 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
NXP USA INC. - ED BLUESTEIN FACILITY AUSTIN, TX78721 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
NXP USA INC. - OAK HILL FACILITY AUSTIN, TX78735 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
SPANSION LLC AUSTIN, TX78741 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtTravis 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
Travis County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sunset Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Sunset Valley ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sunset Valley's water comes from
Sunset Valley'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 1,524 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sunset Valley
Sunset Valley is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Sunset Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF SUNSET VALLEY | TX2270004 | 1,524 | SWP |
How Sunset Valley compares
Full Texas rankings →Sunset Valley's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Sunset Valley, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sunset Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Travis
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunset Valley, TX tap water safe to drink?
Sunset Valley's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #25 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Sunset Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Sunset Valley'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 Sunset Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sunset Valley's water come from?
Sunset Valley's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,524 residents.
How does Sunset Valley's water compare to other cities?
Sunset Valley ranks #25 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 98% of state cities) and #1875 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sunset Valley's small water system affect quality?
Sunset Valley's system serves approximately 1,524 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 8 violations on record.