Is Tenaha, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Tenaha, TX — Water Quality Report
Tenaha's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,746 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 79 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tenaha's water
Tenaha ranks #946 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Tenaha 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, Tenaha may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tenaha, TX water safe to drink?
Tenaha's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,746 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tenaha
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tenaha's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, 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 Tenaha's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Tenaha's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Shelby County has experienced 7 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 Flat Fork Ck At Sh 7 Nr Center.
Where does Tenaha's water come from?
Tenaha's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,746 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Flat Fork Ck At Sh 7 Nr Center (river).
What Tenaha residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tenaha'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.
Tenaha'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 Tenaha
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tenaha, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORP NACOGDOCHES (TENAHA) FEED MILL TENAHA, TX75974 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtShelby 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
Shelby County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2008. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Tenaha'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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.71 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tenaha compares by contaminant
Explore where Tenaha ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tenaha's water comes from
Tenaha'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 1,746 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Tenaha
Tenaha is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tenaha
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF TENAHA | TX2100002 | 1,746 | GW |
How Tenaha compares
Full Texas rankings →Tenaha's score of 43/100 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 Tenaha, TX
Wikipedia →Tenaha is a town in Shelby County, Texas, United States. The population was 989 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tenaha's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shelby
Frequently asked questions
Is Tenaha, TX tap water safe to drink?
Tenaha's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #946 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Tenaha's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is Tenaha'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 Tenaha?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tenaha's water come from?
Tenaha's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,746 residents.
What health violations has Tenaha's water system had?
Tenaha has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tenaha's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tenaha 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 79 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 Tenaha's water compare to other cities?
Tenaha ranks #946 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 11% of state cities) and #14695 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Tenaha's small water system affect quality?
Tenaha's system serves approximately 1,746 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 79 violations on record.