Gail, TX: 19 Health Violations — 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Gail shows moderate tap water quality for TX — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Gail Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Gail Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 25 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 60% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.61 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Gail
Because residential water in Gail, TX flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Gail, Texas, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 426 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 19 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Gail: C (55/100)
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
Gail water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Gail
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | Inorganic | 22 | 1 |
| Nickel | Inorganic | 16 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 4 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79738 | C | 25 | 19 | Borden County Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Gail
- 79738 [C] — 25 violations ⚠
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 Gail
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 Gail
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Gail's Housing Stock?
With 60% 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. Gail's median build year of 1974 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Gail 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.
Gail: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Gail sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Gail are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 62% below the Texas average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Gail
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.
Routinely in Gail, where 60% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Gail
- 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 Barium can reduce the most common contaminant found in Gail's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 60% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Gail, TX