WaterVerge

Is Wellington, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: TX0440001
Overall Score
87.9 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#98 of 1067 in Texas Top 24% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.9/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.9/100

Wellington, TX — Water Quality Report

Wellington's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,191 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 10 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Wellington's water

Wellington ranks #98 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.9 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
16.5/20
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 Wellington, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Wellington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,191 residents using groundwater (wells).

4
Active Violations
2.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 event
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Wellington

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wellington's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE RITA

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 Wellington's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Wellington's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MCLMROther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2022 Nitrate Resolved
Oct 2017 Nitrate Resolved
Dec 2014 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2014 Nitrate Resolved
Apr 2014 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Collingsworth 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. Local water sources include Salt Fork Red River Near Wellington.

HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA DR-1606

Where does Wellington's water come from?

Wellington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,191 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Salt Fork Red River Near Wellington (river).

What Wellington residents can do

Install a water filter

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

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
2.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 17% of limit
Safe Level
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
1.3 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 2% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 1.7 µg/LHAA9: 1.9 µg/L
Compliance Record

Violation summary

17
Total violations
10
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Oct 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

17 Total
4 Active
10 Health-based
13 Resolved
Violations by category
Nitrate Rule
9
Total Coliform Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
1
Ground Water Rule
1
Dec 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2013 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2012 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2022 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2022
Oct 2017 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2017
Jul 2014 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2014
Apr 2014 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2014
Oct 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2012
Oct 2005 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2005
Aug 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2005
Jul 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2005
Jan 1999 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1999
Jan 1999 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1999
Jan 1997 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 1997
May 1995 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1995
Jun 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 1991
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Collingsworth 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.

7
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
13.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

1
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Collingsworth 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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA #1606

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.6 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 1.8 ppb from 1993 (4.4 ppb) to 2023 (2.6 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Wellington compares by contaminant

Explore where Wellington ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,191
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Wellington's water comes from

Groundwater

Wellington'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 2,191 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Wellington

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

Salt Fork Red River Near Wellington
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wellington

System Name PWSID Population Source
WELLINGTON MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM TX0440001 2,191 GW
Regional Comparison

How Wellington compares

Full Texas rankings →

Wellington's score of 87.9/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Wellington (this city)
87.9
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
City Profile

About Wellington, TX

Economic Profile
$46,439
Median Income
$84,220
Median Home Value
$534/mo
Median Rent
2.7%
Unemployment
Community
36.5
Median Age
616
People / sq mi
15.6%
College Educated
73.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Wellington, TX tap water safe to drink?

Wellington's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #98 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Wellington's water?

Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.

How is Wellington'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 Wellington?

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

Where does Wellington's water come from?

Wellington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,191 residents.

What health violations has Wellington's water system had?

Wellington has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.

Is Wellington's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Wellington 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 Wellington's water compare to other cities?

Wellington ranks #98 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 91% of state cities) and #3770 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Wellington's small water system affect quality?

Wellington's system serves approximately 2,191 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.