Water Quality in Welch, TX: 35 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Welch'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 compliance history for Welch, TX includes 35 water violations on file with the EPA — a federal tally that spans health-based exceedances, monitoring failures, and enforcement actions logged under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Welch
Water quality varies across Welch's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79377 | C | 66 | 35 | 32 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Welch.
Water Quality Overview
Welch, Texas receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Welch have accumulated 35 EPA violations, including 32 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 315 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Welch'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 Welch water systems is 0.0012 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 77% of homes built before 1986, Welch 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 Welch
Welch is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 315 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 Welch. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Welch
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 Welch Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Welch's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 19 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 13 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| 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.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Welch:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 6 |
| 2024 | 6 | 6 |
| 2025 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have decreased from 6 in 2023 to 3 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Welch. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-03 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-03.
Welch vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Welch's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welch | C | 35 | 1 | 315 |
| Burton | C | 3 | 1 | 315 |
| Turkey | C | 50 | 1 | 317 |
| Rosanky | B | 0 | 1 | 318 |
Common Questions About Welch Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Welch, Texas:
Is Welch water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Welch's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Welch tap water? Welch's water receives a grade of C (66/100). There are 32 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Welch? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Welch vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Welch 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 Welch.
ZIP Codes in Welch
Welch spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 79377. 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.