C58/100
Athens Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 27,132 residents · Texas
What's In Athens's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: June 25, 2022 – December 19, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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 ATHENS
Population Served
17,934
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX1070005
CRESCENT HEIGHTS WSC
Population Served
2,379
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX1070016
DIXIE ISLE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
1,083
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX1070041
LAKESHORE UTILITY
Population Served
1,446
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX1070043
VIRGINIA HILL WSC
Population Served
4,290
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX1070200
Frequently Asked Questions About Athens Water
Is Athens tap water safe to drink?
Athens, Texas tap water receives a grade of C (58/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 281 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Athens's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Athens's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Athens have any water quality violations?
Yes, Athens has 281 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, RPT. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Athens?
Athens water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Athens's tap water come from?
Athens's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CITY OF ATHENS and 4 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 27,132 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Athens'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. Athens'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 Athens's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Athens's water quality score of 58/100 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 Athens's water quality?
If you have concerns about Athens'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 ATHENS) 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.