F0/100
Port Lavaca Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 11,545 residents · Texas
What's In Port Lavaca's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
14
Violations (last 5yr)
11
Unresolved
12
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
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 – February 4, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: May 9, 2023 – May 11, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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 PORT LAVACA
Population Served
11,545
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX0290002
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Lavaca Water
Is Port Lavaca tap water safe to drink?
Port Lavaca, Texas tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 51 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Port Lavaca's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Port Lavaca'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 Port Lavaca have any water quality violations?
Yes, Port Lavaca has 51 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, MR, Other. 29 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Port Lavaca?
Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca's tap water come from?
Port Lavaca's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CITY OF PORT LAVACA. The system serves approximately 11,545 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Port Lavaca'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. Port Lavaca'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 Port Lavaca's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Port Lavaca'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 Port Lavaca's water quality?
If you have concerns about Port Lavaca'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 PORT LAVACA) 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.