COUNTY REPORT TX

Zapata County, Texas

3 ZIP codes · Avg score 68/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03

Zapata County shows moderate water quality across its 3 ZIP codes — some areas carry violations worth monitoring.

How Zapata County Compares

Zapata County68/100
Texas avg82/100
National avg68/100

How Zapata County Compares

C
County Grade
68/100
Avg Safety Score
3
ZIP Codes
5
Water Systems

Zapata County scores 14 points below the Texas state average (82/100) and 0 points above the national average (68/100).

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

C
County Grade
68
Avg Safety Score
3
ZIP Codes
Best ZIP: 78076 (71/100)
Lowest ZIP: 78360 (66/100)
$88K
Median Home Value
$2,300
Avg Remediation (261% of home value)

Key Risk Factors

Health risk index: 15.4 (asthma 9.2%, diabetes 21.5%)

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,350, driven primarily by sea_level

Infrastructure: 0.427% avg pipe failure probability, 33% of ZIPs at high risk

65% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)

Violation History (2021–2024)

↑ Worsening trend

EPA violation counts by year across Zapata County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.

2021
1 (1 health)
2022
5 (5 health)
2023
7 (7 health)
2024
4 (4 health)

Peak year: 2023 with 7 violations. Past 5 years: 17 total (17 health-based). Health-based violations are rising versus the prior 2-year window — worth closer monitoring.

Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.

County Health Indicators vs National Average

Asthma 9.2% (national: 8.9%)
Diabetes 21.5% (national: 10.5%)
Obesity 44% (national: 32.4%)

Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Infrastructure Overview

1971
Median Build Year
65%
Pre-1978 Housing
43%
Pipe Failure Probability
33%
ZIPs at High Infra Risk
Low
Lead Pipe Risk

Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.

Compound Risk Breakdown

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,350

Sea Level Rise $500/yr
Wildfire $300/yr
Energy Code Gap $300/yr

Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).

Housing Age Distribution

6,082 housing units in Zapata County

Pre-1940 0%
1940–1959 8%
1960–1979 18%
1980–1999 51%
2000+ 22%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).

Water Safety Affordability

How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Zapata County

$88K
Median Home Value
$2,300
Est. Remediation Cost
2.6%
of Home Value
Remediation as % of home value moderate burden

Water safety remediation is a moderate expense relative to home values. Most homeowners can address issues through staged improvements over time.

Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.

Health Outcomes vs National Average

CDC PLACES data for Zapata County residents

Asthma 9.2% (US avg: 8.9%)
Diabetes 21.5% (US avg: 11%)
Obesity 44% (US avg: 32.4%)

Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Water Systems with Most Violations

Top 5 systems in Zapata County ranked by EPA violation count.

# Water System Population Violations
1 Falcon Rural Water Supply Corporation 3,600 52
2 ZAPATA COUNTY WATERWORKS SWTP 13,736 52
3 Siesta Shores Wcid 1,842 52
4 Zapata County Wcid Hwy 16 East 243 52
5 Zapata County San Ygnacio and Ramireno 1,254 52

All ZIP Codes in Zapata County

3 ZIP codes tracked in Zapata County.

# ZIP Code City Safety Score Grade Violations Home Value
1 78076 Zapata 71 B 52 (15 health) $90K
2 78067 San Ygnacio 66 C 0 $87K
3 78360 Guerra 66 C 0

Recommended Buyer Guides for Zapata County

Below: editorial picks, no sponsored placements.

Overview

Zapata County in Texas covers 3 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (68/100).

1 of 3 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 15 health-based violations have been documented.

← Back to Texas water quality report

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water safe in Zapata County?
Zapata County receives a grade of C. Some ZIP codes have recorded violations and residents in affected areas may want to test their water.
How many water systems serve Zapata County?
Zapata County is served by 5 public water systems that supply drinking water to residents across 3 ZIP codes.
What is the biggest environmental risk in Zapata County?
The primary environmental risk factor in Zapata County is sea_level. This contributes to an estimated additional annual cost of $1,350 per homeowner.
How old are homes in Zapata County?
The median home build year in Zapata County is 1971. 65% of homes were built before 1978, which means they may contain lead-based paint and older plumbing materials.
How does Zapata County compare to Texas?
Zapata County has an average water safety score of 68/100, which is below the Texas state average of 82/100.

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