Is Van Horn, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.9/100
waterverge.com Van Horn, TX — Water Quality Report
Van Horn's drinking water received a grade of B (77.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,063 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 19 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Van Horn's water
Van Horn ranks #416 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Van Horn 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, Van Horn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Van Horn, TX water safe to drink?
Van Horn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,063 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Van Horn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Van Horn's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Van Horn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Van Horn's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Culberson 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 Van Horn's water come from?
Van Horn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,063 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Van Horn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Van Horn'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Van Horn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Van Horn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PREAKNESS GAS PLANT VAN HORN, TX79855 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCulberson 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Culberson 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Van Horn compares by contaminant
Explore where Van Horn ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Van Horn's water comes from
Van Horn'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 2,063 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Van Horn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF VAN HORN | TX0550001 | 2,063 | GW |
How Van Horn compares
Full Texas rankings →Van Horn's score of 77.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Van Horn, TX
Wikipedia →Van Horn is a town in and the county seat of Culberson County, Texas, United States. According to the 2010 census, Van Horn had a population of 2,063, down from 2,435 at the 2000 census. The 2020 census results detailed a decline in population to 1,941. Van Horn's official newspaper is The Van Horn Advocate. The town is the westernmost incorporated community in the United States that uses the Central Time Zone, located on the same line of longitude as Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Its earliest sunset in the beginning of December is the latest among incorporated towns in the United States, occurring no earlier than 5:56 pm.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Van Horn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Culberson
Frequently asked questions
Is Van Horn, TX tap water safe to drink?
Van Horn's water quality earned a grade of B (77.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #416 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Van Horn's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Van Horn'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 Van Horn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Van Horn's water come from?
Van Horn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,063 residents.
What health violations has Van Horn's water system had?
Van Horn has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Van Horn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Van Horn 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 19 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 Van Horn's water compare to other cities?
Van Horn ranks #416 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 61% of state cities) and #8855 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Van Horn's small water system affect quality?
Van Horn's system serves approximately 2,063 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 19 violations on record.