Is West, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57.3/100
waterverge.com West, TX — Water Quality Report
West's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 6,590 residents using purchased surface water.
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 104 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about West's water
West ranks #722 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West, TX water safe to drink?
West's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 6,590 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for West
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3294). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3277). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West's water system has 104 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 28 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McLennan 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 Aquilla Lk Abv Aquilla, Aquilla Ck Abv Aquilla.
Where does West's water come from?
West's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 6,590 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Aquilla Lk Abv Aquilla (lake), Aquilla Ck Abv Aquilla (river).
What West residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West'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.
West'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMcLennan 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
McLennan 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.
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 West compares by contaminant
Explore where West ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West's water comes from
West's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 6,590 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near West
West is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving West
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF WEST | TX1550009 | 2,597 | SWP |
| BOLD SPRINGS WSC | TX1550017 | 2,301 | GW |
| HILLTOP WSC | TX1550032 | 972 | GW |
| COTTONWOOD WSC | TX1550022 | 720 | GW |
How West compares
Full Texas rankings →West's score of 57.3/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About West, TX
Wikipedia →West is a city in McLennan County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,531. It is named after Thomas West, the city's first postmaster. The city is in north-central Texas, about 70 miles (110 km) south of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, 20 miles north of Waco, and 120 miles north of Austin.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclennan
Frequently asked questions
Is West, TX tap water safe to drink?
West's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #722 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in West's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 104 violations are on record.
How is West'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 West?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West's water come from?
West's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 6,590 residents.
What health violations has West's water system had?
West has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
How does West's water compare to other cities?
West ranks #722 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 32% of state cities) and #12378 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.