WaterVerge

Is Trenton, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C+, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

820 residents served 1 water system PWSID: TX0740009
Overall Score
65.7 / 100
Violations
20 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#642 of 1067 in Texas Top 73% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
65.7/100
waterverge.com
C+ 65.7/100

Trenton, TX — Water Quality Report

Trenton's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 820 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 57 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Trenton's water

Trenton ranks #642 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

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

The system has seen 36 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
65.7 out of 100 Grade C+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
18.7/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.4 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 Trenton, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Trenton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 820 residents using groundwater (wells).

20
Active Violations
1.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Trenton

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Trenton's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.7/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
22 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
13 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, OXAMYL, Aldicarb sulfone.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4416). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.4 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Trenton's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 36 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Jan 2024 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Resolved
Jan 2024 Xylenes, Total Resolved
Jan 2024 DICHLOROMETHANE Resolved
Jan 2024 o-Dichlorobenzene Resolved
Jan 2024 p-Dichlorobenzene Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Fannin County has experienced 3 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 Sister Grove Ck Nr Blue Ridge.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4781
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4416
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA DR-1606

Where does Trenton's water come from?

Trenton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 820 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sister Grove Ck Nr Blue Ridge (river).

What Trenton residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Trenton'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
1.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 9% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

57
Total violations
0
Health-based
20
Active / unresolved
Jan 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

57 Total
20 Active
0 Health-based
37 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
12
Lead and Copper Rule
10
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
4
Dec 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
May 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2015 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Showing 20 of 57 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Fannin County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.

15.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
13
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
May 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Fannin County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2024
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4781
Feb 2019
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4416
Sep 2005
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA #1606

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.4 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 increased by 0.3 ppb from 1994 (1.1 ppb) to 2025 (1.4 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
820
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Trenton's water comes from

Groundwater

Trenton'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 820 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Trenton

Trenton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Sister Grove Ck Nr Blue Ridge
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Trenton

System Name PWSID Population Source
CITY OF TRENTON TX0740009 820 GW
Regional Comparison

How Trenton compares

Full Texas rankings →

Trenton's score of 65.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Trenton (this city)
65.7
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
City Profile

About Trenton, TX

Wikipedia →

Trenton is a city in Fannin and Grayson counties in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, Trenton had a population of 743. The population is currently 854.

Economic Profile
$62,857
Median Income
$132,679
Median Home Value
$729/mo
Median Rent
0%
Unemployment
Community
41
Median Age
131
People / sq mi
10.7%
College Educated
78.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Trenton, TX tap water safe to drink?

Trenton's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #642 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Trenton's water?

Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.

How is Trenton'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 Trenton?

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

Where does Trenton's water come from?

Trenton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 820 residents.

Is Trenton's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Trenton 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 57 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 Trenton's water compare to other cities?

Trenton ranks #642 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 40% of state cities) and #11476 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Trenton's small water system affect quality?

Trenton's system serves approximately 820 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 57 violations on record.