Borden County Water System
What EPA’s and Texas’s records show in this utility’s water: nitrate, arsenic and other regulated chemicals; lead and copper; and violations since 2016, with the certification that handles each result.
- Serves
- 275 people
- Connections
- 181
- Water source
- Groundwater
- Based in
- Gail, TX
- County
- Borden
- Owner
- Local government
The ZIP code it serves
The short answer
2 results are above EPA’s legal limit, and 1 more is above the health goal. The worst: Arsenic, above the legal limit. 59 health-based violations since 2016.
What handles itWhat was found
Arsenic, fluoride, uranium, total trihalomethanes (TTHM), nitrate, haloacetic acids (HAA5) and chromium (total): Texas’s own results, samples taken from Jan. 9, 2020 to July 28, 2026, with EPA’s 2012 to 2019 file for earlier years.
Above the legal limit2
Arsenic
Comes from the source
19.3ppb
Highest yearly average, 2020 to 2026
2026 average: 19.2 ppb
Averaged by year, the highest was 19.3 ppb, in 2025, about twice EPA’s legal limit of 10 ppb. Its highest single sample was 21 ppb. In 2026, the latest year on file, its three samples averaged 19.2 ppb, above the limit. EPA recorded violations for arsenic at this utility in 2020, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest yearly average of 18 ppb, in 2012, and EPA recorded violations in 2013 and 2016.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction”
Fluoride
Forms or is added in treatment
5.4ppm
Highest yearly average, 2020 to 2026
2026 average: 5.3 ppm
Averaged by year, the highest was 5.4 ppm, in 2022, above EPA’s legal limit of 4.0 ppm. Its highest single sample was 5.6 ppm. In 2026, the latest year on file, its three samples averaged 5.3 ppm, above the limit. EPA recorded violations for fluoride at this utility in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest yearly average of 5.5 ppm, in 2017, and EPA recorded violations in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Fluoride Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Fluoride”
Above the health goal1
Uranium
Comes from the source
10.4ppb
Highest yearly average, 2022 to 2025
Averaged by year, the highest was 10.4 ppb, in 2025: below EPA’s legal limit of 30 ppb, but above its health goal of zero. That was also the latest year on file. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest yearly average of 10.4 ppb, in 2019.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Uranium”
Below EPA’s limits3
Total trihalomethanes (TTHM)
Forms or is added in treatment
26.5ppb
Highest yearly average, 2022 to 2025
Averaged by year, the highest was 26.5 ppb, in 2025, below EPA’s legal limit of 80 ppb. That was also the latest year on file. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest yearly average of 14.5 ppb, in 2019.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Reduction”
Nitrate
Comes from the source
2.4ppm
Highest sample; found in 7 of 7
2026, one sample: 2.4 ppm
The highest sample, in 2026, was 2.4 ppm, below EPA’s legal limit of 10 ppm. That was also the latest year on file, and its one sample was 2.4 ppm. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest sample of 2.3 ppm, in 2012.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Nitrate/Nitrite Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Nitrate/Nitrite (30 ppm challenge)”
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Forms or is added in treatment
3.6ppb
Highest yearly average, 2022 to 2025
Averaged by year, the highest was 3.6 ppb, in 2025, below EPA’s legal limit of 60 ppb. That was also the latest year on file. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest yearly average of 3.2 ppb, in 2019.
What handles it
No certification claim covers this compound yet.
2 compounds tested and not foundBelow the reporting level in every sample. Not found is not the same as zero.
- Chromium (total)
- Lead
What handles it
A certification covers specific claims, not a whole standard. Look for these claims on the certifier’s listing, not the box. Wording varies a little: NSF writes “Lead Reduction,” WQA just “Lead.”
- NSF/ANSI 53
Claims: Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction, Fluoride
For: Arsenic, Fluoride
Other certifiers’ wording: Arsenic (III) (50 ppb influent level)
- NSF/ANSI 58
Claims: Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction, Fluoride Reduction, Uranium
For: Arsenic, Fluoride, Uranium
Other certifiers’ wording: Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=300 ppb Reduction; Arsenic (V) (300 ppb influent level)
At the tap, or for the whole house?
These come with the water itself, so a whole-house system certified for the same claims treats every tap and shower. A filter at the tap treats drinking water for much less. How whole-house systems compare.
Filters with those claims on a certifier’s listing
Disclosure: TapBuff earns a commission if you buy through some links on this page. It does not change which standard or filter we name. As an Amazon Associate, TapBuff earns from qualifying purchases. How TapBuff makes money
Countertop reverse osmosis
- IAPMO listing:NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 401checked Oct. 4, 2026
Certified for: Arsenic, Fluoride
Aquasana SmartFlow Reverse Osmosis (AQ-SFRO2)
Under-sink reverse osmosis
- WQA listing:NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 401checked Oct. 9, 2026
Certified for: Arsenic, Fluoride
Brondell Capella RC250 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink reverse osmosis
- WQA listing:NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 401checked Oct. 9, 2026
Certified for: Arsenic, Fluoride
Under-sink reverse osmosis
- WQA listing:NSF/ANSI 58checked Oct. 9, 2026
Certified for: Arsenic, Fluoride
Under-sink reverse osmosis
- IAPMO listing:NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 58checked Oct. 4, 2026
Certified for: Fluoride
Violations since 2016
| Contaminant or rule | Type | Period | Measured | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026 | 0.019 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026 | 5.2 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026 | 0.019 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2025 | 0.019 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2025 | 5.2 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2025 | 0.019 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2025 | 5.1 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 | 5.2 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 | 0.019 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025 | 0.019 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024 | 0.019 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024 | 0.02 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024 | 5.4 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 | 0.02 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 | 5.4 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024 | 0.02 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023 | 0.019 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2023 | 5.2 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2023 | 0.017 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 | 0.015 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2023 to March 31, 2023 | 0.012 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2023 to March 31, 2023 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2022 | 5.4 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2022 | 5.5 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2021 | 5.2 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021 | 5.4 MG/L | Archived |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020 | 0.013 MG/L | Resolved |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020 | 5.3 MG/L | Archived |
| Arsenic | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2020 | 0.011 MG/L | Resolved |
| Fluoride | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2020 | 4.2 MG/L | Archived |
| Health-based violations only. Resolved and archived mean the utility returned to compliance or the state closed the record. 18 monitoring or reporting violations not shown. | ||||
What this report can’t tell you
Everything else. Arsenic, fluoride, uranium, total trihalomethanes (TTHM), nitrate, haloacetic acids (HAA5) and chromium (total) results here are Texas’s own from 2020 on, with EPA’s national file for 2012 to 2019. Borden County Water System’s own annual report, which it must send you every year, has the contaminants this page does not show.
Your own plumbing. Lead results are the 90th percentile across homes the utility samples. Your home’s service line, solder and fixtures decide yours. A certified lab test is the only way to know.
What it means for your health. This page reports what the records show and EPA’s limits and goals; it is not medical advice. If you are worried about a health effect, talk to a doctor or your local health department.
Anything after the latest data. SDWIS data is from 2026 Q3; UCMR 5 didn’t sample this utility; Texas’s results run from Jan. 9, 2020 to July 28, 2026.
Testing your own tap
The 2 labs Texas certifies closest to the area Borden County Water System serves, in a straight line. Call first: certification is test by test, and not every lab takes samples from homeowners.
Eurofins Xenco, LLC -Lubbock
Lubbock, TX · about 56 miles
Certified for bacteria
Sweetwater -Nolan County Health Department
Sweetwater, TX · about 68 miles
Certified for bacteria
Texas Well Owner Network, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Well Informed screening events, where well owners bring in water samples to be screened for common contaminants, followed by an hour-long session explaining the results. Upcoming events are on the network's calendar. Trainings, Texas Well Owner Network.
All 80 certified labs for TexasSources
- EPA UCMR 5 occurrence data, file of Oct. 15, 2026
- EPA SDWA bulk download (SDWIS federal data), 2026 Q3
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Drinking Water Viewer, results from Jan. 7, 2020 to Oct. 6, 2026, read Oct. 16, 2026
- EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data, 2012 to 2019, file of Feb. 5, 2024
- Certified labs: TCEQ, drinking water laboratories approved for public water system samples, read Oct. 10, 2026; distances from the Census 2020 ZIP code tabulation area gazetteer
- Limits and goals: each contaminant’s page, with its EPA source.
- How this page is built: methodology.
PWSID TX0170010. Rebuilt from EPA data on Oct. 18, 2026.
What to do next
- Read up on the 3 results above a lineWhat each one does to health, where it comes from, and the certification claim that addresses it.Start with Arsenic
- Get the utility’s own reportBorden County Water System must send you a water quality report every year. It covers contaminants this page does not show.How to read it
- Test your own tap for leadYour service line, solder and fixtures decide the lead at your faucet, not the utility’s average.Lead in your water: what to do
- Compare certified filtersWhat the filters certified for these results cost over five years, cartridges included.Compare five-year costs