B69/100
Sour Lake Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 3,110 residents · Texas
What's In Sour Lake's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
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 14, 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
CITY OF SOUR LAKE
Population Served
1,854
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX1000003
HARDIN COUNTY WCID 1
Population Served
1,256
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX1000016
Frequently Asked Questions About Sour Lake Water
Is Sour Lake tap water safe to drink?
Sour Lake, Texas tap water receives a grade of B (69/100), which is considered good. Out of 1 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Sour Lake's water?
1 contaminants were tested in Sour Lake's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Sour Lake have any water quality violations?
Yes, Sour Lake has 22 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 10 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Sour Lake?
Sour Lake 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 Sour Lake's tap water come from?
Sour Lake's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CITY OF SOUR LAKE and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 3,110 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Sour Lake'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. Sour Lake'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 Sour Lake's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Sour Lake's water quality score of 69/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Texas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Sour Lake's water quality?
If you have concerns about Sour Lake'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 SOUR LAKE) 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.