Is Terlingua, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.1/100
waterverge.com Terlingua, TX — Water Quality Report
Terlingua's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 888 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 37 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Terlingua's water
Terlingua ranks #592 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Terlingua 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, Terlingua may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Terlingua, TX water safe to drink?
Terlingua's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 888 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Terlingua
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Terlingua's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Terlingua's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Terlingua's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Brewster 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 Terlingua's water come from?
Terlingua's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 888 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Terlingua residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Terlingua'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBrewster 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
Brewster 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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Terlingua compares by contaminant
Explore where Terlingua ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Terlingua's water comes from
Terlingua'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 888 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Terlingua
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STUDY BUTTE TERLINGUA WATER SYSTEM | TX0220035 | 888 | GW |
How Terlingua compares
Full Texas rankings →Terlingua's score of 69.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Terlingua, TX
Wikipedia →Terlingua is a mining district and census-designated place (CDP) in southwestern Brewster County, Texas, United States. It is located near the Rio Grande and the villages of Lajitas and Study Butte, Texas, as well as the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The discovery of cinnabar, from which the metal mercury is extracted, in the mid-1880s brought miners to the area, creating a city of 2,000 people. The only remnants of the mining days are a ghost town of the Howard Perry-owned Chisos Mining Company and several nearby capped and abandoned mines: the California Hill, the Rainbow, the 248, and the Study Butte mines. The mineral terlinguaite was first found in the vicinity of California Hill.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Terlingua's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brewster
Frequently asked questions
Is Terlingua, TX tap water safe to drink?
Terlingua's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #592 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Terlingua's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Terlingua'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 Terlingua?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Terlingua's water come from?
Terlingua's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 888 residents.
What health violations has Terlingua's water system had?
Terlingua has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Terlingua's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Terlingua 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 37 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 Terlingua's water compare to other cities?
Terlingua ranks #592 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 45% of state cities) and #10980 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Terlingua's small water system affect quality?
Terlingua's system serves approximately 888 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 37 violations on record.