WaterVerge

Is Tivoli, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

665 residents served 1 water system PWSID: TX1960004
Overall Score
79.7 / 100
Violations
9 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#374 of 1067 in Texas Top 52% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
79.7/100
waterverge.com
B 79.7/100

Tivoli, TX — Water Quality Report

Tivoli's drinking water received a grade of B (79.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 665 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 44 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Tivoli's water

Tivoli ranks #374 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Tivoli 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, Tivoli may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
79.7 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
32.7/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Tivoli, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Tivoli's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 665 residents using groundwater (wells).

9
Active Violations
0.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Tivoli

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tivoli's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.7/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE BERYL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
TROPICAL STORMS MARCO AND LAURA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tivoli's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Tivoli's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2019 E. COLI Open
Feb 2019 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Refugio County has experienced 10 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 North End Of Gbra Calhoun Canal Nr Long Mott,Tx, Guadalupe Rv Nr Tivoli, Guadalupe Rv At Sh 35 Nr Tivoli.

HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4798
TROPICAL STORMS MARCO AND LAURA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3540
HURRICANE HANNA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3530

Where does Tivoli's water come from?

Tivoli's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 665 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North End Of Gbra Calhoun Canal Nr Long Mott,Tx (stream), Guadalupe Rv Nr Tivoli (river), Guadalupe Rv At Sh 35 Nr Tivoli (stream).

What Tivoli residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tivoli's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Tivoli'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 2% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

44
Total violations
27
Health-based
9
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

44 Total
9 Active
27 Health-based
35 Resolved
Violations by category
Arsenic Rule
24
Lead and Copper Rule
11
Inorganic Chemicals
3
Total Coliform Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2019 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2018 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2018
Jan 2018 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2018
Jul 2017 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2017
Jul 2017 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2017
Jan 2016 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2016
Oct 2015 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2015
Apr 2015 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2015
Showing 20 of 44 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Tivoli

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tivoli, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 37,390 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
UNION CARBIDE CORP SEADRIFT PLANT
Chemicals · DOW INC
SEADRIFT, TX77983
Ammonia37,3857.6 mi
SEADRIFT COKE LP
Petroleum · GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD
PORT LAVACA, TX77979
Toluene57.5 mi
CALHOUN CHEMICALS LLC
Chemicals · NA
PORT LAVACA, TX77979
8.1 mi
BRASKEM AMERICA INC SEADRIFT PLANT
Chemicals · BRASKEM AMERICA INC
SEADRIFT, TX77983
7.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Refugio 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
19.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jul 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Refugio County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jul 2024
HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA #4798
Aug 2020
TROPICAL STORMS MARCO AND LAURA
Hurricane FEMA #3540
Jul 2020
HURRICANE HANNA
Hurricane FEMA #3530
Aug 2017
HURRICANE HARVEY
Hurricane FEMA #4332
Jun 2010
TROPICAL STORM ALEX
Hurricane FEMA #3313
Sep 2008
HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA #3294

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 9.7 ppb from 1994 (10.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.3 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
665
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Tivoli's water comes from

Groundwater

Tivoli'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 665 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Tivoli

Tivoli is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

North End Of Gbra Calhoun Canal Nr Long Mott,Tx
stream
Guadalupe Rv Nr Tivoli
river
Guadalupe Rv At Sh 35 Nr Tivoli
stream
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Tivoli

System Name PWSID Population Source
REFUGIO COUNTY WCID 1 TX1960004 665 GW
Regional Comparison

How Tivoli compares

Full Texas rankings →

Tivoli's score of 79.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Tivoli (this city)
79.7
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
City Profile

About Tivoli, TX

Economic Profile
$63,636
Median Income
$950/mo
Median Rent
23.8%
Unemployment
Community
57.3
Median Age
217
People / sq mi
14.3%
College Educated
87.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Tivoli, TX tap water safe to drink?

Tivoli's water quality earned a grade of B (79.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #374 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Tivoli's water?

Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 44 violations are on record.

How is Tivoli'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 Tivoli?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Tivoli's water come from?

Tivoli's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 665 residents.

What health violations has Tivoli's water system had?

Tivoli has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.

Is Tivoli's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Tivoli 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 44 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 Tivoli's water compare to other cities?

Tivoli ranks #374 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 65% of state cities) and #8176 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Tivoli's small water system affect quality?

Tivoli's system serves approximately 665 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 44 violations on record.