Water Quality in Cotton Center, TX: 35 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Cotton Center's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Cotton Center, TX carry 35 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Cotton Center
Water quality varies across Cotton Center's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79021 | D | 54 | 35 | 4 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Cotton Center.
Water Quality Overview
Cotton Center, Texas receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Cotton Center have accumulated 35 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 250 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Cotton Center'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 Cotton Center water systems is 0.0090 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 77% of homes built before 1986, Cotton Center 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
Cotton Center is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Cotton Center
Cotton Center is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 250 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 Cotton Center. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Cotton Center
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 Cotton Center Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Cotton Center's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 11 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 7 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
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 Cotton Center:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2023 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Cotton Center. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-09.
Cotton Center vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Cotton Center's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton Center | D | 35 | 1 | 250 |
| Donie | A | 0 | 1 | 250 |
| Tynan | A | 7 | 1 | 250 |
| Ben Franklin | A | 2 | 1 | 249 |
Common Questions About Cotton Center Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Cotton Center, Texas:
Is Cotton Center water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Cotton Center's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Cotton Center tap water? Cotton Center's water receives a grade of D (54/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Cotton Center? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Cotton Center vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Cotton Center 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 Cotton Center.
ZIP Codes in Cotton Center
Cotton Center spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 79021. 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.