D38/100
Carthage Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,476 residents · Texas
What's In Carthage's Tap Water?
34
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
15
Violations (last 5yr)
3
Unresolved
8
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: May 15, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: February 9, 2025 – March 13, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 30, 2024 – March 12, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – April 22, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Reporting violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 17, 2024 – April 22, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: August 25, 2023 – March 13, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: April 9, 2023 – May 8, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: April 9, 2023 – May 8, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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 CARTHAGE
Population Served
6,770
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TX1830001
HOLLANDS QUARTER WSC
Population Served
1,605
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX1830009
REHOBETH WSC
Population Served
1,101
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX1830012
Frequently Asked Questions About Carthage Water
Is Carthage tap water safe to drink?
Carthage, Texas tap water receives a grade of D (38/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 143 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Carthage's water?
34 contaminants were tested in Carthage's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Carthage have any water quality violations?
Yes, Carthage has 143 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, Other, MR. 23 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Carthage?
Carthage 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. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Carthage's tap water come from?
Carthage's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CITY OF CARTHAGE and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 9,476 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Carthage'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. Carthage'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 Carthage's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Carthage's water quality score of 38/100 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 Carthage's water quality?
If you have concerns about Carthage'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 CARTHAGE) 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.