Is Vanderbilt, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.4/100
waterverge.com Vanderbilt, TX — Water Quality Report
Vanderbilt's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 525 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 17 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Vanderbilt's water
Vanderbilt ranks #540 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Vanderbilt 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, Vanderbilt may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Vanderbilt, TX water safe to drink?
Vanderbilt's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 525 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Vanderbilt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Vanderbilt's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Vanderbilt's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Vanderbilt's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 8 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 Lavaca Rv Nr Edna, Lk Texana Nr Edna.
Where does Vanderbilt's water come from?
Vanderbilt's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 525 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lavaca Rv Nr Edna (river), Lk Texana Nr Edna (lake).
What Vanderbilt residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Vanderbilt'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.
Vanderbilt'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 Vanderbilt
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Vanderbilt, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10,376 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FORMOSA PLASTICS CORP TEXAS POINT COMFORT, TX77978 | Ammonia | 10,376 | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtJackson 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
Jackson County has experienced 8 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Vanderbilt compares by contaminant
Explore where Vanderbilt ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Vanderbilt's water comes from
Vanderbilt'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 525 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Vanderbilt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JACKSON COUNTY WCID 2 | TX1200004 | 525 | GW |
How Vanderbilt compares
Full Texas rankings →Vanderbilt's score of 72.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Vanderbilt, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Vanderbilt's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Vanderbilt, TX tap water safe to drink?
Vanderbilt's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #540 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Vanderbilt's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Vanderbilt'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 Vanderbilt?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Vanderbilt's water come from?
Vanderbilt's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 525 residents.
What health violations has Vanderbilt's water system had?
Vanderbilt has 1 health-based violation 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. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Vanderbilt's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Vanderbilt 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 17 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 Vanderbilt's water compare to other cities?
Vanderbilt ranks #540 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 49% of state cities) and #10327 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Vanderbilt's small water system affect quality?
Vanderbilt's system serves approximately 525 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 17 violations on record.