Water Quality in Horseshoe Bay, TX: 18 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 62/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Horseshoe Bay'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
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Horseshoe Bay, TX surfaces 18 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Horseshoe Bay
Water quality varies across Horseshoe Bay's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78657 | C | 62 | 18 | 6 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Horseshoe Bay.
Water Quality Overview
Horseshoe Bay, Texas receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 62 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Horseshoe Bay have accumulated 18 EPA violations, including 6 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 13,476 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Horseshoe Bay'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 Horseshoe Bay water systems is 0.0041 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Horseshoe Bay is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 13,476 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 Horseshoe Bay. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Horseshoe Bay
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 Horseshoe Bay Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Horseshoe Bay's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP 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.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Horseshoe Bay:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 3 in 2021 to 1 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Horseshoe Bay. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-12-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-12-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-29 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-24.
Horseshoe Bay vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Horseshoe Bay's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Bay | C | 18 | 2 | 13,476 |
| Freeport | C | 44 | 5 | 13,455 |
| El Campo | B | 7 | 5 | 13,511 |
| Seabrook | B | 0 | 1 | 13,560 |
Common Questions About Horseshoe Bay Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Horseshoe Bay, Texas:
Is Horseshoe Bay water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Horseshoe Bay's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Horseshoe Bay tap water? Horseshoe Bay's water receives a grade of C (62/100). There are 6 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Horseshoe Bay? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Horseshoe Bay vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Horseshoe Bay 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 Horseshoe Bay.
ZIP Codes in Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 78657. 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.