Big Spring, TX: 34 Health Violations — 66/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Big Spring tap water shows a mixed record for TX — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Big Spring Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Big Spring Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 44 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0031 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.02 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Big Spring
Water delivery in Big Spring, TX is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Big Spring, Texas, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 30,898 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 34 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Big Spring: C (66/100)
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
Big Spring water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0031 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 42 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 15 | 2 |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 9 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79720 | C | 22 | 17 | City of Big Spring |
| 79721 | C | 22 | 17 | City of Big Spring |
All ZIP Codes in Big Spring
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.
CDC Health Data for Big Spring
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Big Spring
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Big Spring: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The equity impact of remediation in Big Spring sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Big Spring. The estimated $900–$2,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 36% below the Texas average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Big Spring
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 Big Spring 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Big Spring
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Big Spring shows a moderate flood record — 27 claims and 50% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Big Spring has a moderate flood history with 27 FEMA claims averaging $15,495 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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>$1,500</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 Big Spring
- 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 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Big Spring'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 Big Spring, TX