F0/100
Childress Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 6,105 residents · Texas
What's In Childress's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.41 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
10
Violations (last 5yr)
4
Unresolved
3
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
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 3Resolved
Reporting violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 17, 2024 – March 24, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – March 24, 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
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2024 – June 10, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – August 28, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: March 24, 2022 – February 15, 2023Rule: 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 CHILDRESS
Population Served
6,105
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX0380001
Frequently Asked Questions About Childress Water
Is Childress tap water safe to drink?
Childress, Texas tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 58 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Childress's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Childress's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Childress have any water quality violations?
Yes, Childress has 58 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 13 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Childress?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Childress is recommended. 1 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 Childress's tap water come from?
Childress's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CITY OF CHILDRESS. The system serves approximately 6,105 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Childress'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. Childress'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 Childress's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Childress's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. 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 Childress's water quality?
If you have concerns about Childress'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 CHILDRESS) 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.