Water Quality in Fort Hancock, TX: 4 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 67/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Fort Hancock'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
Federal EPA data for Fort Hancock, TX shows 4 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fort Hancock
Water quality varies across Fort Hancock's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79839 | C | 67 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Fort Hancock, Texas receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 67 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Fort Hancock have accumulated 4 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,800 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Fort Hancock'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
Lead testing data for Fort Hancock is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 51% of homes built before 1986, Fort Hancock 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
Fort Hancock is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Fort Hancock
Fort Hancock is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,800 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 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Hancock. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Fort Hancock
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 Fort Hancock Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Fort Hancock's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Hancock. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-05-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-27 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-05-14.
Fort Hancock vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Fort Hancock's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Hancock | C | 4 | 1 | 1,800 |
| Iola | B | 0 | 1 | 1,800 |
| North Zulch | A | 0 | 1 | 1,800 |
| Grapeland | B | 7 | 1 | 1,798 |
Common Questions About Fort Hancock Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Fort Hancock, Texas:
Is Fort Hancock water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Fort Hancock's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Fort Hancock tap water? Fort Hancock's water receives a grade of C (67/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Fort Hancock? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Fort Hancock vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Fort Hancock 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 Fort Hancock.
ZIP Codes in Fort Hancock
Fort Hancock spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 79839. 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.