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EPA SDWIS City OverviewWater Testing & Safety Guide

Houston, TX Water Quality Testing & Safety Report

EPA compliance records, water testing guidelines, and hardness metrics for all 190 ZIP codes in Houston, Texas

Quick EPA Verified Summary

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Houston, TX?

Tap water in Houston, TX receives an EPA Safety Grade of ? (50/100) due to 0 health-based violation(s) and elevated lead risk. While treated by local utilities, residents are advised to test tap water and use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter for drinking and cooking.

Average Score

N/A/100

Health Violations

0

Water Hardness

Moderately Hard

105 mg/L (6.1 GPG)

High Lead Risk

0

of 0 ZIP codes

?

About Tap Water in Houston, TX

Drinking water in Houston, TX receives an average water quality grade of ? (score: null/100) across its 190 ZIP codes. Safe Drinking Water Act compliance monitoring is managed by local utilities including local water utilities.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Houston are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Water Quality Testing in Houston, TX

Tap Water & Well Water Testing Recommendations

Testing your drinking water in Houston confirms whether contaminants like lead, nitrates, bacteria, and PFAS are entering your home. While municipal utilities test water before distribution, private plumbing and private well systems require homeowner testing.

Tap Water Testing Checklist

  • 1.Identify your plumbing age: Homes built before 1986 in Houston may have lead solder or lead service lines.
  • 2.Request your utility's latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for annual municipal baseline data.
  • 3.Use an EPA-certified laboratory or state-certified test kit for precision lead and PFAS detection (standard DIY strips cannot reliably measure trace heavy metals).
  • 4.Collect a "first draw" sample: Test water that has sat motionless in pipes for at least 6 hours to check for plumbing corrosion.

Private Well Water Testing Checklist

  • •Private wells in TX are not monitored by the EPA or Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) — testing is 100% the homeowner's responsibility.
  • •Annual Test: Screen for Total Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates/Nitrites, and pH every spring.
  • •Comprehensive Test (Every 3-5 Years): Test for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Uranium), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Hardness.
  • •Post-Disruption Testing: Immediately test well water following heavy floods, local construction, agricultural runoff, or sudden taste/odor changes.

Critical Water Testing Parameters for Houston Residents

ParameterHealth ReasonEPA Limit / Standard
Lead (Pb)Plumbing corrosion; dangerous neurotoxin for children15 ppb (Action Level) / 0 ppb Goal
Total Coliform & E. ColiBacterial contamination from sewage or surface runoff0 mg/L (Zero Tolerance)
Nitrates / NitritesFertilizer and septic tank seepage; causes blue baby syndrome10 mg/L (MCL)
Water Hardness (Ca & Mg)Affects appliance lifespan, scale buildup, and skin hydrationModerate (~100 mg/L)
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")Industrial non-stick chemicals linked to metabolic and immune issues4.0 ppt (EPA 2024 Rule)
State Regulatory Oversight: Environmental standards and certified water lab registries in TX are maintained by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Houston, TX

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All Houston, TX ZIP Code Reports (0 Total)

Nearby Cities Water Quality & Testing in Texas

Compare tap water safety, EPA test scores, and water hardness across neighboring cities in Texas:

Afton, TX1 ZIP code
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Abbott, TX1 ZIP code
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Addison, TX1 ZIP code
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Abernathy, TX1 ZIP code
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Abilene, TX10 ZIP codes
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Ace, TX1 ZIP code
Grade B
Ackerly, TX1 ZIP code
Grade B
Alamo, TX1 ZIP code
Grade B

Frequently Asked Questions — Houston Water Quality & Testing

Is tap water safe to drink in Houston, TX?+
Tap water in Houston has a grade of ?, indicating compliance concerns in recent years. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking.
How do I test water quality in Houston, TX?+
To test water quality in Houston, you can order an EPA-compliant drinking water test kit or submit samples to a state-certified environmental testing laboratory in TX. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 (to check for lead in plumbing) and for properties with private well systems.
Should I test private well water in Houston?+
Yes. Unlike municipal tap water, private wells in Houston, TX are not monitored or regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners are responsible for testing their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
How hard is the tap water in Houston?+
Tap water in Houston is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated average hardness of 105 mg/L (6.1 GPG). A water softener is generally optional.
What is the water quality score for Houston?+
The average water quality score across 190 ZIP codes in Houston, TX is N/A/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Houston have lead in its tap water?+
Lead risk ratings in Houston are relatively low based on EPA monitoring data. However, lead in home plumbing is a separate concern — if your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
Where does Houston's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Houston, TX primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

Looking for water quality reports in other cities in Texas?

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