Water Quality in Sour Lake, TX: 3 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Sour Lake'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
The public EPA compliance record for Sour Lake, TX holds 3 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Sour Lake
Water quality varies across Sour Lake's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77659 | C | 68 | 3 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Sour Lake, Texas receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Sour Lake have accumulated 3 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 3,110 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Sour Lake'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
Lead testing data for Sour Lake is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 49% of homes built before 1986, Sour Lake 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.
Water Systems Serving Sour Lake
Sour Lake is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,110 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 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Sour Lake. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Sour Lake
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 Sour Lake Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Sour Lake's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper 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.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Sour Lake. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-03-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-04-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-03-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-03-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-03-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-01-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-01-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-03-14.
Sour Lake vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Sour Lake's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sour Lake | C | 3 | 2 | 3,110 |
| Henrietta | A | 5 | 1 | 3,111 |
| Pendleton | A | 1 | 1 | 3,111 |
| Bagwell | C | 0 | 1 | 3,105 |
Common Questions About Sour Lake Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Sour Lake, Texas:
Is Sour Lake water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Sour Lake's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Sour Lake tap water? Sour Lake's water receives a grade of C (68/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Sour Lake? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Sour Lake vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Sour Lake 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 Sour Lake.
ZIP Codes in Sour Lake
Sour Lake spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 77659. 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.