D23/100
Commerce Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 18,452 residents · Texas
What's In Commerce's Tap Water?
34
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
2
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2023 – January 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: August 31, 2022 – September 28, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: December 1, 2021 – January 17, 2022Rule: 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 COMMERCE
Population Served
9,266
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TX1160003
EAST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Population Served
4,350
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX1160008
NORTH HUNT SUD
Population Served
4,836
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX1160039
Frequently Asked Questions About Commerce Water
Is Commerce tap water safe to drink?
Commerce, Texas tap water receives a grade of D (23/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 123 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Commerce's water?
Of the 34 contaminants tested in Commerce'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 Commerce have any water quality violations?
Yes, Commerce has 123 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MON, TT. 31 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Commerce?
Commerce 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 Commerce's tap water come from?
Commerce's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CITY OF COMMERCE and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 18,452 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Commerce'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. Commerce'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 Commerce's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Commerce's water quality score of 23/100 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 Commerce's water quality?
If you have concerns about Commerce'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 COMMERCE) 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.