Water Quality in Shallowater, TX: 64 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 58/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Shallowater'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
Federal EPA data for Shallowater, TX shows 64 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Shallowater
Water quality varies across Shallowater's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79363 | C | 58 | 64 | 11 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Shallowater.
Water Quality Overview
Shallowater, 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 3 water systems serving Shallowater have accumulated 64 EPA violations, including 11 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 3,241 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Shallowater'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 Shallowater water systems is 0.0023 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Shallowater is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Shallowater
Shallowater is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,241 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 Shallowater. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Shallowater
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 Shallowater Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Shallowater's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 21 | 1 | No |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 10 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 1 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 7 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Nickel | Inorganic | 0.1 mg/L | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 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 Shallowater:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 14 | 14 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2024 to 14 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Shallowater. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-09.
Shallowater vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Shallowater's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shallowater | C | 64 | 3 | 3,241 |
| Tarpley | C | 0 | 1 | 3,231 |
| Olney | A | 5 | 1 | 3,285 |
| Bishop | A | 0 | 1 | 3,186 |
Common Questions About Shallowater Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Shallowater, Texas:
Is Shallowater water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Shallowater's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Shallowater tap water? Shallowater's water receives a grade of C (58/100). There are 11 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Shallowater? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Shallowater vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Shallowater 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 Shallowater.
ZIP Codes in Shallowater
Shallowater spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 79363. 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.