Bay City, TX: 16 Health Violations — 69/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drilling into federal monitoring figures for Bay City in TX, the pattern is middle-of-the-road — some utilities have documented MCL exceedances or treatment technique violations in recent years, while others have operated without a single flag, making the city's grade a genuine average rather than a rounded-down high.
How Bay City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Bay City Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 76 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0026 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.48 — above typical levels.
Bay City's Water Providers
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Bay City, TX's residential water connections out of 5 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Bay City, Texas, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 23,879 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 16 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bay City: C (69/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Bay City water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0026 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 42 | 2 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 30 | 2 |
| Barium | Inorganic | 18 | 2 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 9 | 2 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 6 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77404 | B | 38 | 8 | City of Bay City |
| 77414 | C | 38 | 8 | City of Bay City |
All ZIP Codes in Bay City
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
Updated daily.
Bay City Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Bay City's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Bay City
Remediation costs in Bay City represent a moderate share of typical home values — worth budgeting for carefully, though within reach for most homeowners who plan ahead.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Bay City. The estimated $1,100–$3,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 27% below the Texas average.
Bay City: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Bay City appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Bay City: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
FEMA data places 100% of Bay City's ZIP codes inside designated flood zones, and the NFIP claim record confirms the real-world impact: 1310 filed claims representing decades of documented flood events with consequences for property and, at sufficient severity, for local water infrastructure.
Bay City has a significant flood history with 1,310 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $7,531 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,800</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Bay City
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Lead and Copper Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Bay City's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bay City, TX