US Water Score: C
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
0.0
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Passed |
UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 15.0 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
| 6:2 FTS | 6.0 ppt | No standard | — | No federal MCL shown |
| PFBS | 5.1 ppt | 2000 ppt | 100 ppt | Below comparison value |
| PFHxS | 5.0 ppt | 10 ppt | 10 ppt | Below comparison value |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Ballinger, Texas (76821) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 59 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 21 points below the Texas state average of 80. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by City Of Ballinger, a surface water system providing water to approximately 3,862 people. PFAS testing detected 4 compounds, all below the EPA final MCL values used for comparison. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 20 violations, including 8 health-based violations.
A score of 59/100 indicates fair performance in the US Water Score model for Ballinger, TX. The records show noteworthy concerns, such as elevated contaminant levels, violation history, or both. Review the detailed contaminant data and official utility reports before making decisions.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Common Questions
Ballinger, Texas receives an internal US Water Score grade of C (Fair) with a score of 59/100. Our model found some system-level concerns, such as violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report and consult a qualified professional for household-specific health questions.
ZIP code 76821 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 3,862 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.
Lead levels in Ballinger, Texas are 0.0 ppb, which is at or below the health guideline of 1 ppb. This is a positive result, though periodic testing is still recommended.
4 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Ballinger, Texas, with reported values below the EPA final MCL values used by this site. This comparison is informational: federal compliance timelines and the status of some PFAS standards are still evolving. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce some PFAS when appropriately certified and maintained.
Water systems serving Ballinger, Texas have received 20 violations in the last 5 years, including 8 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (PFAS), residents in Ballinger, Texas should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.
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