The Cliffs
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
- 1,115 people
- Connections
- 385
- Water source
- Surface water
- Based in
- Austin, TX
- County
- Palo Pinto
- Owner
- Private
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: Copper, above the action level. 33 health-based violations since 2016.
What handles itWhat was found
Lead and copper: EPA SDWIS monitoring periods ending 2020.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHM), arsenic, haloacetic acids (HAA5), fluoride, nitrate, chromium (total) and uranium: Texas’s own results, samples taken from Feb. 24, 2020 to Sept. 23, 2026, with EPA’s 2012 to 2019 file for earlier years.
Above the legal limit2
Copper
Comes from pipes, often your own
1.9ppm
90th percentile, 2020
In the latest period, 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below 1.9 ppm, above EPA’s action level of 1.3 ppm.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Copper Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Copper Reduction”
Total trihalomethanes (TTHM)
Forms or is added in treatment
108ppb
Highest yearly average, 2020 to 2026
2026 average: 36.5 ppb
Averaged by year, the highest was 108 ppb, in 2023, above EPA’s legal limit of 80 ppb. Its highest single sample was 146 ppb. In 2026, the latest year on file, its three samples averaged 36.5 ppb. EPA recorded violations for total trihalomethanes (TTHM) at this utility in 2023 and 2024. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest yearly average of 31.7 ppb, in 2017.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Reduction”
Above the health goal1
Arsenic
Comes from the source
1.1ppb
Highest yearly average, 2020 to 2026
2026: not found
Averaged by year, the highest was 1.1 ppb, in 2023: below EPA’s legal limit of 10 ppb, but above its health goal of zero. In 2026, the latest year on file, it wasn’t found in its one sample.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction”
Below EPA’s limits3
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Forms or is added in treatment
24.3ppb
Highest yearly average, 2020 to 2026
2026 average: 11.5 ppb
Averaged by year, the highest was 24.3 ppb, in 2023, below EPA’s legal limit of 60 ppb. Its highest single sample was 32.9 ppb. In 2026, the latest year on file, its three samples averaged 11.5 ppb. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest yearly average of 13.8 ppb, in 2017.
What handles it
No certification claim covers this compound yet.
Fluoride
Forms or is added in treatment
0.14ppm
Highest yearly average, 2020 to 2026
2026: not found
Averaged by year, the highest was 0.14 ppm, in 2023, below EPA’s legal limit of 4.0 ppm. In 2026, the latest year on file, it wasn’t found in its one sample. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest yearly average of 0.051 ppm, in 2018.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Fluoride Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Fluoride”
Nitrate
Comes from the source
0.15ppm
Highest sample; found in 6 of 7
2026, one sample: 0.068 ppm
The highest sample, in 2023, was 0.15 ppm, below EPA’s legal limit of 10 ppm. In 2026, the latest year on file, its one sample was 0.068 ppm. Earlier, from 2012 to 2019, EPA’s file shows a highest sample of 0.13 ppm, in 2019.
What handles it
- NSF/ANSI 58 look for “Nitrate/Nitrite Reduction”
- NSF/ANSI 53 look for “Nitrate/Nitrite (30 ppm challenge)”
3 compounds tested and not foundBelow the reporting level in every sample. Not found is not the same as zero.
- Chromium (total)
- Lead
- Uranium
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: Copper Reduction, Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Reduction, Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction
For: Copper, Total trihalomethanes (TTHM), Arsenic
Other certifiers’ wording: VOC Reduction; Arsenic (III) (50 ppb influent level)
- NSF/ANSI 58
Claims: Copper Reduction, Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Reduction, Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=50 ppb Reduction
For: Copper, Total trihalomethanes (TTHM), Arsenic
Other certifiers’ wording: Arsenic (Pentavalent)<=300 ppb Reduction; Arsenic (V) (300 ppb influent level)
At the tap, or for the whole house?
Lead and copper usually come from pipes and fixtures inside or near your home. A whole-house system sits where water enters, so it cannot catch what your own plumbing adds after it. For those, the filter that counts is the one at the tap. 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
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: Copper, Total trihalomethanes (TTHM), Arsenic
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: Copper, Total trihalomethanes (TTHM), Arsenic
Countertop reverse osmosis
- IAPMO listing:NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 401checked Oct. 4, 2026
Certified for: Copper, Total trihalomethanes (TTHM), Arsenic
Brita Tahoe Pitcher with Original Filter (OB60, OB03)
Pitcher
- WQA listing:NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53checked Oct. 13, 2026
Certified for: Copper
Violations since 2016
| Contaminant or rule | Type | Period | Measured | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Too many readings in a month showed cloudiness above the filtration standard.EPA: Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Too many readings in a month showed cloudiness above the filtration standard.EPA: Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | May 1, 2025 to May 31, 2025 | — | Resolved |
| TTHM | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024 | 0.093 MG/L | Resolved |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Required treatment for surface water or groundwater was not met.EPA: Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) | Jan. 1, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2024 | — | Resolved |
| TTHM | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Oct. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023 | 0.11 MG/L | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Too many readings in a month showed cloudiness above the filtration standard.EPA: Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | Sept. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2023 | — | Resolved |
| Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Required treatment for surface water or groundwater was not met.EPA: Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) | Sept. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2023 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | One cloudiness reading was above the maximum allowed.EPA: Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | Sept. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2023 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Too many readings in a month showed cloudiness above the filtration standard.EPA: Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | Aug. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2023 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | One cloudiness reading was above the maximum allowed.EPA: Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | Aug. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2023 | — | Resolved |
| Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Required treatment for surface water or groundwater was not met.EPA: Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) | Aug. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2023 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Too many readings in a month showed cloudiness above the filtration standard.EPA: Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | July 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | One cloudiness reading was above the maximum allowed.EPA: Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | July 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023 | — | Resolved |
| Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Required treatment for surface water or groundwater was not met.EPA: Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) | July 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023 | — | Resolved |
| TTHM | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | July 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2023 | 0.1 MG/L | Resolved |
| TTHM | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | April 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 | 0.11 MG/L | Resolved |
| TTHM | The running average was above the legal limit.EPA: Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average | Jan. 1, 2023 to March 31, 2023 | 0.082 MG/L | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Too many readings in a month showed cloudiness above the filtration standard.EPA: Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | Dec. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021 | — | Resolved |
| Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Required treatment for surface water or groundwater was not met.EPA: Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) | May 1, 2021 to May 31, 2021 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | One cloudiness reading was above the maximum allowed.EPA: Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | May 1, 2021 to May 31, 2021 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | One cloudiness reading was above the maximum allowed.EPA: Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | Aug. 1, 2020 to Aug. 31, 2020 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Too many readings in a month showed cloudiness above the filtration standard.EPA: Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | Aug. 1, 2020 to Aug. 31, 2020 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | One cloudiness reading was above the maximum allowed.EPA: Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | June 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 | — | Resolved |
| Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Required treatment for surface water or groundwater was not met.EPA: Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) | June 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 | — | Resolved |
| Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Required treatment for surface water or groundwater was not met.EPA: Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) | May 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Too many readings in a month showed cloudiness above the filtration standard.EPA: Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | May 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | One cloudiness reading was above the maximum allowed.EPA: Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | May 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Too many readings in a month showed cloudiness above the filtration standard.EPA: Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | June 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | One cloudiness reading was above the maximum allowed.EPA: Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | June 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019 | — | Resolved |
| Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Too many readings in a month showed cloudiness above the filtration standard.EPA: Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) | Oct. 1, 2018 to Oct. 31, 2018 | — | Resolved |
| Lead and Copper Rule | A required study or plan for corrosion control was not done on time.EPA: OCCT/SOWT Study/Recommendation | April 1, 2018 | — | Resolved |
| Lead and Copper Rule | A required study or plan for corrosion control was not done on time.EPA: OCCT/SOWT Study/Recommendation | March 31, 2018 | — | Resolved |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Required information about lead was not given to customers.EPA: Public Education | Dec. 1, 2017 | — | Resolved |
| Health-based violations only. Resolved and archived mean the utility returned to compliance or the state closed the record. 68 monitoring or reporting violations not shown. | ||||
What this report can’t tell you
Everything else. Total trihalomethanes (TTHM), arsenic, haloacetic acids (HAA5), fluoride, nitrate, chromium (total) and uranium results here are Texas’s own from 2020 on, with EPA’s national file for 2012 to 2019. The Cliffs’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 Feb. 24, 2020 to Sept. 23, 2026.
Testing your own tap
The 3 labs Texas certifies closest to the area The Cliffs serves, in a straight line. Call first: certification is test by test, and not every lab takes samples from homeowners.
Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (TIAER)
Stephenville, TX · about 43 miles
Certified for bacteria
Tarrant County Public Health Laboratory
Fort Worth, TX · about 59 miles
Certified for bacteria
Pace Analytical Services, LLC -Dallas TX
Fort Worth, TX · about 66 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 TX1820061. 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 Copper
- Get the utility’s own reportThe Cliffs 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