ZIP Code 79778 Water Quality & Testing Report
Rankin, TX · Upton County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 79778 (Rankin, TX)?
Yes, tap water in ZIP code 79778 (Rankin, TX) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by City of Rankin, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (82/100) with 8 health violations, 2.1 ppb lead, and very hard (241 mg/L / 14.1 GPG) water.
Water Safety Grade
Good — Minor issues on record
Health Violations
8
Total Violations
20
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
2
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 7 unresolved violations. Contact City of Rankin for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 79778
Tap water in ZIP code 79778 (Rankin, TX) is distributed by City of Rankin (EPA ID: TX2310002), serving approximately 846 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 82/100.
Water System
City of Rankin
EPA ID: TX2310002
Water Source
Ground Water
Population Served
846 residents
County
Upton County County, Texas
Lead Levels in ZIP 79778
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 2.1 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 79778 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 64% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 79778 is Very Hard (241 mg/L / 14.1 GPG). High concentrations of dissolved limestone minerals cause severe mineral buildup, stiff laundry, dry skin, and premature water heater wear.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: City of Rankin · PWSID: TX2310002
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
City of Rankin has recorded 8 health-based violations out of 20 total violations over the past 5 years. 7 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
EPA records identify 2 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Gross Alpha, Stage 2 DBP Rule.
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Ground Water
This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.
Lower potential
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 79778
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 79778 served by City of Rankin can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 79778 Recommendations
Your water quality is good
- ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
- ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from City of Rankin
- ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
- ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste
Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:
NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter
Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 79778 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 79778?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 79778 (Rankin, TX)?+
How hard is the tap water in 79778?+
Should I test private well water in 79778?+
What is the lead level in 79778 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 79778?+
Who provides tap water to 79778?+
What water filter should I use in 79778?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 79778 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by City of Rankin. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →