Sylvester, TX Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Sylvester, TX tap water is adequate — the middle-tier grade reflects gaps in specific service areas.
How Sylvester Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Sylvester Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 14.02 — above typical levels.
Sylvester's Water Providers
Water delivery in Sylvester, TX is handled by 3 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 3 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sylvester, Texas (population ~23), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 6,284 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sylvester — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sylvester: 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
Sylvester water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sylvester
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 79560 | C | Bitter Creek Water Supply Corporation South | 2,973 |
All ZIP Codes in Sylvester
- 79560 [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.
Sylvester Community Health Snapshot
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
Sylvester Infrastructure Age
With 100% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Sylvester's housing stock carries a median build year of 1955. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Sylvester were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Sylvester: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
When older housing represents 100% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Sylvester address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Sylvester
- 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 100% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sylvester, TX