Water Quality in Big Spring, TX: 44 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Big Spring's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Water systems in Big Spring, TX have accumulated 44 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Big Spring
Water quality varies across Big Spring's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79720 | C | 65 | 22 | 17 | View report → |
| 79721 | C | 66 | 22 | 17 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Big Spring.
Water Quality Overview
Big Spring, Texas receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Big Spring have accumulated 44 EPA violations, including 34 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 27,282 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Big Spring's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Big Spring water systems is 0.0031 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 78% of homes built before 1986, Big Spring 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.
Water Systems Serving Big Spring
Big Spring is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 27,282 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Big Spring. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Big Spring
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 Big Spring Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Big Spring's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 28 | 2 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 2 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 2 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Big Spring:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8 | 8 |
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 10 | 10 |
| 2025 | 6 | 6 |
Violations have decreased from 8 in 2021 to 6 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Big Spring. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-01 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-21 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-20.
Big Spring vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Big Spring's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Spring | C | 44 | 1 | 27,282 |
| Athens | A | 18 | 5 | 27,132 |
| Adkins | A | 0 | 2 | 27,019 |
| Pleasanton | A | 1 | 2 | 27,606 |
Common Questions About Big Spring Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Big Spring, Texas:
Is Big Spring water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Big Spring's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Big Spring tap water? Big Spring's water receives a grade of C (66/100). There are 34 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Big Spring? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Big Spring vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Big Spring 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 Big Spring.
ZIP Codes in Big Spring
Big Spring spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 79720. 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.