Is Winona, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 53 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Winona, TX — Water Quality Report
Winona's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,446 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 223 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 53 remain unresolved.
What to know about Winona's water
Winona ranks #822 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Winona 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 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Winona, TX water safe to drink?
Winona's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,446 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Winona
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Winona's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood 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 Winona's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Winona's water system has 223 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 53 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Smith County has experienced 9 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 Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins, Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy.
Where does Winona's water come from?
Winona's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,446 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sabine Rv Nr Hawkins (river), Big Sandy Ck Nr Big Sandy (river).
What Winona residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Winona'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.
Winona'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 Winona
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Winona, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 267,307 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SANDERSON FARMS TYLER PROCESSING TYLER, TX75708 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 267,307 | 3.9 mi |
HAWKINS GAS PLANT HAWKINS, TX75765 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
REEF SERVICES, LLC TYLER, TX75708 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSmith 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
Smith County has experienced 9 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 Winona compares by contaminant
Explore where Winona ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Winona's water comes from
Winona'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 4,446 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Winona
Winona is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Winona
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAR MOUNTAIN WSC | TX2120021 | 2,175 | GW |
| CITY OF WINONA | TX2120026 | 1,194 | GW |
| STARRVILLE WSC | TX2120100 | 1,077 | GW |
How Winona compares
Full Texas rankings →Winona's score of 47/100 is on par with the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Winona, TX
Wikipedia →Winona is a city in Smith County, Texas, United States. Founded in 1870, its population was 623 at the 2020 U.S. census, up from 576 in 2010. It is part of the Tyler metropolitan statistical area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Winona's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Smith
Frequently asked questions
Is Winona, TX tap water safe to drink?
Winona's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #822 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Winona's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 223 violations are on record.
How is Winona'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 Winona?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Winona's water come from?
Winona's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,446 residents.
What health violations has Winona's water system had?
Winona has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 53 violations remain unresolved.
Is Winona's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Winona 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 223 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 Winona's water compare to other cities?
Winona ranks #822 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 23% of state cities) and #13709 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.