D22/100
Bay City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 18,061 residents · Texas
What's In Bay City's Tap Water?
66
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
11
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
7
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Maximum contaminant level violation
When: August 23, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: November 15, 2024 – March 21, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: October 2, 2024 – December 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: May 6, 2024 – June 20, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
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 BAY CITY
Population Served
18,061
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX1610001
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay City Water
Is Bay City tap water safe to drink?
Bay City, Texas tap water receives a grade of D (22/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 23 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Bay City's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Bay City'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 Bay City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Bay City has 23 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include TT, MR, Other. 13 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Bay City?
Bay City 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 Bay City's tap water come from?
Bay City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CITY OF BAY CITY. The system serves approximately 18,061 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Bay City'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. Bay City'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 Bay City's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Bay City's water quality score of 22/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Texas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Bay City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Bay City'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 BAY CITY) 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.