Is Tahoka, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 136 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Tahoka, TX — Water Quality Report
Tahoka's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,514 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 477 violations on record, including 303 health-based violations. 136 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tahoka's water
Tahoka ranks #921 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Tahoka may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 138 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tahoka, TX water safe to drink?
Tahoka's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,514 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Tahoka
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tahoka's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
3 health-based. Contaminants: Fluoride, Arsenic, Nitrate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1931). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tahoka's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Tahoka's water system has 477 total violations on record, including 303 health-based violations. 136 remain unresolved. 138 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lynn 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.
Where does Tahoka's water come from?
Tahoka's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,514 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Tahoka residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tahoka'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Tahoka'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 droughtLynn 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
Lynn 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 Tahoka'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. | 5.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tahoka compares by contaminant
Explore where Tahoka ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tahoka's water comes from
Tahoka'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 2,514 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Tahoka
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF TAHOKA | TX1530002 | 2,459 | SWP |
| GRASSLAND WSC | TX1530005 | 55 | GW |
How Tahoka compares
Full Texas rankings →Tahoka's score of 44/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Tahoka, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tahoka's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lynn
Frequently asked questions
Is Tahoka, TX tap water safe to drink?
Tahoka's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #921 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Tahoka's water?
Lead was measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile). 477 violations are on record.
How is Tahoka'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 Tahoka?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tahoka's water come from?
Tahoka's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,514 residents.
What health violations has Tahoka's water system had?
Tahoka has 303 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 136 violations remain unresolved.
How does Tahoka's water compare to other cities?
Tahoka ranks #921 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 14% of state cities) and #14475 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.