D38/100
Hereford Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 16,048 residents · Texas
What's In Hereford'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) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
10
Violations (last 5yr)
3
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: June 30, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Reporting violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: July 26, 2024 – May 7, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: January 27, 2024 – May 7, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: 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: January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: August 21, 2022 – May 7, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: 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: July 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: March 24, 2022 – May 7, 2025Rule: 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
HEREFORD MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
16,048
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX0590001
Frequently Asked Questions About Hereford Water
Is Hereford tap water safe to drink?
Hereford, Texas tap water receives a grade of D (38/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 31 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Hereford's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Hereford'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 Hereford have any water quality violations?
Yes, Hereford has 31 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, RPT, TT. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Hereford?
Hereford 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 Hereford's tap water come from?
Hereford's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by HEREFORD MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 16,048 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Hereford'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. Hereford'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 Hereford's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Hereford'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 Hereford's water quality?
If you have concerns about Hereford'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 (HEREFORD MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM) 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.