Is Tatum, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 108 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Tatum, TX — Water Quality Report
Tatum's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,807 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 214 violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 108 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tatum's water
Tatum ranks #888 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Tatum 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.
The system has seen 59 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tatum, TX water safe to drink?
Tatum's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,807 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tatum
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tatum's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tatum's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tatum's water system has 214 total violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 108 remain unresolved. 59 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rusk County has experienced 5 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 Martin Lk Nr Tatum.
Where does Tatum's water come from?
Tatum's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,807 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Martin Lk Nr Tatum (lake).
What Tatum residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tatum'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.
Tatum'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 Tatum
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tatum, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MARTIN LAKE STEAM ELECTRIC STATION & LIGNITE MINE TATUM, TX75691 | Manganese compounds | 0 | 6.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtRusk 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
Rusk County has experienced 5 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tatum compares by contaminant
Explore where Tatum ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tatum's water comes from
Tatum'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 3,807 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Tatum
Tatum is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tatum
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF TATUM | TX2010034 | 1,902 | GW |
| CRYSTAL FARMS WSC | TX2010012 | 1,578 | GW |
| SHAN D WATER SUPPLY | TX2010042 | 201 | SWP |
| DIRGIN WSC | TX2010013 | 126 | GW |
How Tatum compares
Full Texas rankings →Tatum's score of 45/100 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 Tatum, TX
Wikipedia →Tatum is a city in Rusk and Panola counties in Texas, United States. Its population was 1,342 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tatum's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rusk
Frequently asked questions
Is Tatum, TX tap water safe to drink?
Tatum's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #888 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Tatum's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 214 violations are on record.
How is Tatum'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 Tatum?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tatum's water come from?
Tatum's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,807 residents.
What health violations has Tatum's water system had?
Tatum has 32 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. 108 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tatum's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tatum 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 214 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 Tatum's water compare to other cities?
Tatum ranks #888 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 17% of state cities) and #14250 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.