C56/100
Abilene Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 137,605 residents · Texas
What's In Abilene's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
3
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFHxS | 0.026 µg/L | 0.010 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.026 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 311.02 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2021.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CITY OF ABILENE
Population Served
125,182
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TX2210001
VIEW CAPS WSC
Population Served
2,928
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX2210004
HAMBY WSC
Population Served
2,082
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX2210006
POTOSI WSC
Population Served
7,413
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX2210008
Frequently Asked Questions About Abilene Water
Is Abilene tap water safe to drink?
Abilene, Texas tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 61 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Abilene's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Abilene's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA, chlorate. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Abilene have any water quality violations?
Yes, Abilene has 61 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, MON. 16 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Abilene?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Abilene is recommended. 3 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Abilene's tap water come from?
Abilene's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CITY OF ABILENE and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 137,605 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Abilene's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Abilene's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Abilene's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Abilene's water quality score of 56/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Texas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Abilene's water quality?
If you have concerns about Abilene's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CITY OF ABILENE) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.