Big Wells, TX Water Safety: 99/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Big Wells, safety indicators for tap water remain above the TX median — documented violations are infrequent and the city's compliance record sits in the upper tier.
How Big Wells Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Big Wells Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0027 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 68% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 16.66 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Big Wells
The structure of water supply in Big Wells, TX is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Big Wells, Texas (population ~471), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 870 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Big Wells — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Big Wells: A (99/100)
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 Wells water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0027 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)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78830 | A | City of Big Wells | 870 |
All ZIP Codes in Big Wells
- 78830 [A]
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 Wells
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
How Old Is Big Wells's Housing Stock?
With 68% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Big Wells's median build year of 1971 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Big Wells were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Protecting Children from Lead in Big Wells
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.
Older stock in Big Wells represents 68% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Big Wells, TX