Water Quality in Marfa, TX: 199 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Marfa's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Marfa, TX log 199 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Marfa
Water quality varies across Marfa's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79843 | D | 50 | 199 | 18 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Marfa.
Water Quality Overview
Marfa, Texas receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Marfa have accumulated 199 EPA violations, including 18 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,958 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Marfa'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 Marfa water systems is 0.0013 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 81% of homes built before 1986, Marfa 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
Marfa is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Marfa
Marfa is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,958 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 Marfa. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Marfa
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 Marfa Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Marfa's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 57 | 1 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 27 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 16 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 14 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/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 Marfa:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2021 to 3 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Marfa. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-10.
Marfa vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Marfa's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marfa | D | 199 | 3 | 1,958 |
| Big Sandy | A | 10 | 2 | 1,960 |
| Chico | C | 108 | 2 | 1,956 |
| Little River Academy | A | 0 | 1 | 1,961 |
Common Questions About Marfa Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Marfa, Texas:
Is Marfa water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Marfa's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Marfa tap water? Marfa's water receives a grade of D (50/100). There are 18 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Marfa? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Marfa vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Marfa 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 Marfa.
ZIP Codes in Marfa
Marfa spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 79843. 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.