Is Waskom, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.2/100
waterverge.com Waskom, TX — Water Quality Report
Waskom's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,021 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Waskom's water
Waskom ranks #571 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Waskom 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.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waskom, TX water safe to drink?
Waskom's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,021 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Waskom
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waskom's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Waskom's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Waskom's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Harrison County has experienced 7 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 Cross Bayou At Hwy 80 West Of Greenwood, Paw Paw Bayou Near Greenwood, Shettleworth Bayou Near Blanchard, Boggy Bayou N Of Spring Ridge.
Where does Waskom's water come from?
Waskom's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,021 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cross Bayou At Hwy 80 West Of Greenwood (river), Paw Paw Bayou Near Greenwood (river), Shettleworth Bayou Near Blanchard (river), Boggy Bayou N Of Spring Ridge (river).
What Waskom residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Waskom'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.
Waskom'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 Waskom
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waskom, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 148 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AZZ GALVANIZING SERVICES-WASKOM WASKOM, TX75692 | Zinc compounds | 146 | 1.1 mi |
PROLEC GE USA LLC SHREVEPORT, LA71129 | Copper | 1 | 9.9 mi |
PRYSMIAN CABLES & SYSTEMS SCOTTSVILLE, TX75688 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
WASKOM GAS PROCESSING PLANT WASKOM, TX75692 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
INDUSTRIAL OILS UNLIMITED LLC SHREVEPORT, LA71129 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHarrison 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Harrison County has experienced 7 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Waskom compares by contaminant
Explore where Waskom ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waskom's water comes from
Waskom'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 4,021 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Waskom
Waskom is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Waskom
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF WASKOM | TX1020003 | 2,923 | GW |
| WASKOM RURAL WSC | TX1020054 | 1,098 | GW |
How Waskom compares
Full Texas rankings →Waskom's score of 70.2/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Waskom, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waskom's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harrison
Frequently asked questions
Is Waskom, TX tap water safe to drink?
Waskom's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #571 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Waskom's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Waskom'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 Waskom?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waskom's water come from?
Waskom's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,021 residents.
Is Waskom's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Waskom 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 16 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 Waskom's water compare to other cities?
Waskom ranks #571 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 46% of state cities) and #10785 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.