Is Winters, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 38 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Winters, TX — Water Quality Report
Winters's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,111 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 154 violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Winters's water
Winters ranks #856 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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 81 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Winters, TX water safe to drink?
Winters's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,111 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Winters
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Winters's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Winters's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Winters's water system has 154 total violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 81 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Runnels 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.
Where does Winters's water come from?
Winters's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,111 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Winters residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Winters'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Runnels 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.
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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Winters compares by contaminant
Explore where Winters ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Winters's water comes from
Winters'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 5,111 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Winters
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH RUNNELS WSC | TX2000005 | 2,766 | SWP |
| CITY OF WINTERS | TX2000003 | 2,345 | SW |
How Winters compares
Full Texas rankings →Winters's score of 46/100 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 Winters, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Winters's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Runnels
Frequently asked questions
Is Winters, TX tap water safe to drink?
Winters's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #856 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Winters's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 154 violations are on record.
How is Winters'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 Winters?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Winters's water come from?
Winters's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,111 residents.
What health violations has Winters's water system had?
Winters has 45 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 38 violations remain unresolved.
How does Winters's water compare to other cities?
Winters ranks #856 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 20% of state cities) and #13956 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.