Novice, TX Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-07-19
ZipCheckup grade for Novice: C.
A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.
Unlike higher-rated cities in TX, Novice carries a fair number of documented violations - the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Novice Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-07-19
Novice Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 46% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.14 - above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Novice
Residential addresses in Novice, TX are served by 2 primary water providers out of 2 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
- C
- C
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Novice, Texas (population ~227), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,767 people region-wide.
No EPA violations are recorded for the tracked water systems in Novice as of the latest reporting period.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Novice: C (66/100)
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
Novice water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Novice
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 79538 | C | Coleman County Special Utility District | 5,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Novice
- 79538 [C]
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 Novice
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
How Old Is Novice's Housing Stock?
With 46% 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
Some cities skew heavily toward one construction era; Novice does not. The median build year of 1998 reflects a housing stock where older and newer homes share the market in meaningful proportions. That mixed profile means the city carries moderate aggregate plumbing-era risk - with older homes, particularly those built before 1986, representing the portion of the stock where lead-soldered joints may still be present.
A significant portion of Novice's housing stock predates 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used. Residents in older homes should consider water testing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Novice: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Novice, the resulting ratio is low - a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Novice are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 43% above the Texas average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Novice
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.
46% of Novice housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark - household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Novice
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 46% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Novice, TX