Is Wortham, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.7/100
waterverge.com Wortham, TX — Water Quality Report
Wortham's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 980 residents using purchased ground 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 24 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wortham's water
Wortham ranks #312 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wortham purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Wortham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wortham, TX water safe to drink?
Wortham's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 980 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wortham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wortham's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wortham's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wortham's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Freestone 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 Lk Mexia Nr Mexia.
Where does Wortham's water come from?
Wortham's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 980 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lk Mexia Nr Mexia (lake).
What Wortham residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wortham'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.
Wortham'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 Wortham
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wortham, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARRY-ON TRAILER CORP MEXIA, TX76667 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFreestone County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Freestone 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 Wortham compares by contaminant
Explore where Wortham ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wortham's water comes from
Wortham purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Wortham's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 980 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wortham
Wortham is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wortham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF WORTHAM | TX0810003 | 980 | GWP |
How Wortham compares
Full Texas rankings →Wortham's score of 81.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Wortham, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wortham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Freestone
Frequently asked questions
Is Wortham, TX tap water safe to drink?
Wortham's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #312 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Wortham's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Wortham'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 Wortham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wortham's water come from?
Wortham's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 980 residents.
What health violations has Wortham's water system had?
Wortham has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wortham's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wortham 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 24 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 Wortham's water compare to other cities?
Wortham ranks #312 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 71% of state cities) and #7364 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wortham's small water system affect quality?
Wortham's system serves approximately 980 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 24 violations on record.