Water Quality in Idalou, TX: 28 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 58/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Idalou'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
Looking at EPA compliance data for Idalou, TX, the record shows 28 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Idalou
Water quality varies across Idalou's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79329 | C | 58 | 28 | 19 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Idalou.
Water Quality Overview
Idalou, Texas receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 58 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Idalou have accumulated 28 EPA violations, including 19 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,250 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Idalou'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 Idalou water systems is 0.0008 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 65% of homes built before 1986, Idalou 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
Idalou is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Idalou
Idalou is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,250 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 Idalou. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Idalou
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 Idalou Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Idalou's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorodibromomethane | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 18 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 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 Idalou:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 | 3 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Idalou. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-14 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-03.
Idalou vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Idalou's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idalou | C | 28 | 1 | 2,250 |
| Garrison | A | 9 | 2 | 2,250 |
| Charlotte | A | 5 | 1 | 2,247 |
| Art | D | 0 | 1 | 2,228 |
Common Questions About Idalou Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Idalou, Texas:
Is Idalou water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Idalou's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Idalou tap water? Idalou's water receives a grade of C (58/100). There are 19 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Idalou? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Idalou vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Idalou 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 Idalou.
ZIP Codes in Idalou
Idalou spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 79329. 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.