Water Quality in Balmorhea, TX: 13 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 52/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Balmorhea's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Balmorhea, TX has 13 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Balmorhea
Water quality varies across Balmorhea's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79718 | D | 52 | 13 | 3 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Balmorhea, Texas receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 52 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Balmorhea have accumulated 13 EPA violations, including 3 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 406 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Balmorhea's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Balmorhea water systems is 0.0157 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 83% of homes built before 1986, Balmorhea has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Balmorhea is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Balmorhea
Balmorhea is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 406 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Balmorhea. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Balmorhea
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Balmorhea Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Balmorhea's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 9 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Balmorhea. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-06 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-04-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-30 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-24.
Balmorhea vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Balmorhea's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balmorhea | D | 13 | 1 | 406 |
| Saragosa | D | 0 | 1 | 406 |
| Toyahvale | D | 0 | 1 | 406 |
| Bergheim | B | 0 | 1 | 405 |
Common Questions About Balmorhea Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Balmorhea, Texas:
Is Balmorhea water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Balmorhea's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Balmorhea tap water? Balmorhea's water receives a grade of D (52/100). There are 3 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Balmorhea? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Balmorhea vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Balmorhea compares to the broader Texas average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Balmorhea.
ZIP Codes in Balmorhea
Balmorhea spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 79718. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.