Is Thorndale, 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 ↓
85.8/100
waterverge.com Thorndale, TX — Water Quality Report
Thorndale's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.8 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Thorndale's water
Thorndale ranks #182 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Thorndale purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Thorndale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Thorndale, TX water safe to drink?
Thorndale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Thorndale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Thorndale's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.8/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Thorndale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Thorndale's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Milam County has experienced 6 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 Granger Lk Nr Granger, San Gabriel Rv At Laneport, Brushy Ck At Fm 619 Nr Taylor, Lbc Dam 18 Nr Thrall, Lbc Dam 20 Nr Thorndale.
Where does Thorndale's water come from?
Thorndale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Granger Lk Nr Granger (lake), San Gabriel Rv At Laneport (river), Brushy Ck At Fm 619 Nr Taylor (river), Lbc Dam 18 Nr Thrall (lake), Lbc Dam 20 Nr Thorndale (lake).
What Thorndale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Thorndale'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.
Thorndale'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 Thorndale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Thorndale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MM TAYLOR READY MIX THRALL, TX76578 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMilam 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
Milam County has experienced 6 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. | 4.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Thorndale compares by contaminant
Explore where Thorndale ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Thorndale's water comes from
Thorndale purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Thorndale's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Thorndale
Thorndale is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Thorndale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF THORNDALE | TX1660003 | 1,400 | GWP |
How Thorndale compares
Full Texas rankings →Thorndale's score of 85.8/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Thorndale, TX
Wikipedia →Thorndale is a city in Milam County, Texas, United States, with a small section in Williamson County. The population was 1,263 at the 2020 census. It was founded in 1878, approximately three miles west of its present site, and moved to its current site in 1880.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Thorndale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Milam
Frequently asked questions
Is Thorndale, TX tap water safe to drink?
Thorndale's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #182 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Thorndale's water?
Lead was measured at 4.8 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Thorndale'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 Thorndale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Thorndale's water come from?
Thorndale's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
Is Thorndale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Thorndale 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 6 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 Thorndale's water compare to other cities?
Thorndale ranks #182 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 83% of state cities) and #5109 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Thorndale's small water system affect quality?
Thorndale's system serves approximately 1,400 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 6 violations on record.