Sutherland Springs, TX Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although water quality varies across any metro, Sutherland Springs's systems collectively post above-average compliance scores for TX — and documented violations are few.
How Sutherland Springs Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Sutherland Springs Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 16% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.44 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Sutherland Springs
Sutherland Springs, TX draws its water from one primary utility across 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sutherland Springs, Texas (population ~602), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,526 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sutherland Springs — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sutherland Springs: B (73/100)
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
Sutherland Springs water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sutherland Springs
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78161 | B | CITY OF LA VERNIA | 2,526 |
All ZIP Codes in Sutherland Springs
- 78161 [B]
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 Sutherland Springs
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 Sutherland Springs's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
For most of Sutherland Springs's housing stock, construction occurred after 1986 — when lead solder in plumbing was federally prohibited. The median build year of 1992 broadly reflects that newer profile.
Most homes in Sutherland Springs were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Protecting Children from Lead in Sutherland Springs
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.
Pre-rule stock in Sutherland Springs accounts for 16% of the inventory — a modest fraction — and citywide samples land safely beneath the federal action mark.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Sutherland Springs
Flood exposure in Sutherland Springs is meaningful by NFIP measures — 4 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Sutherland Springs has a moderate flood history with 4 FEMA claims averaging $64,777 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,500</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sutherland Springs, TX