A82/100
West Columbia Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 6,989 residents · Texas
What's In West Columbia's Tap Water?
51
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 252.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2019.
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 WEST COLUMBIA
Population Served
3,878
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX0200010
VARNER CREEK UTILITY DISTRICT
Population Served
3,111
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX0200070
Frequently Asked Questions About West Columbia Water
Is West Columbia tap water safe to drink?
West Columbia, Texas tap water receives a grade of A (82/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 51 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in West Columbia's water?
Of the 51 contaminants tested in West Columbia's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. 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 West Columbia have any water quality violations?
Yes, West Columbia has 29 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in West Columbia?
West Columbia 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 West Columbia's tap water come from?
West Columbia's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CITY OF WEST COLUMBIA and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 6,989 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is West Columbia'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. West Columbia'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 West Columbia's water compare to other cities in Texas?
West Columbia's water quality score of 82/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places West Columbia among the better-performing water systems in Texas. Visit our Texas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about West Columbia's water quality?
If you have concerns about West Columbia'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 WEST COLUMBIA) 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.