Texas Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 43 cities in Texas, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
33 of 43 cities violation-free
43 cities tested
43 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Texas
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
San Antonio
2.1M served
Dallas
1.4M served
Austin
1.1M served
Fort Worth
956K served
Arlington
405K served
Corpus Christi
318K served
Plano
292K served
Lubbock
275K served
Irving
265K served
Garland
249K served
Most Water Quality Issues in Texas
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Laredo
260K served
Midland
157K served
San Angelo
105K served
Tyler
107K served
Houston
2.2M served
El Paso
748K served
Mustang Sud
111K served
Mesquite
152K served
New Braunfels
116K served
Georgetown
134K served
Water Hardness Across Texas
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Texas Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Texas has 43 tracked water utilities serving approximately 14.9M residents. The average water hardness is 224 ppm (13.1 GPG), classified as Very Hard — above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 47.7 ppm in Tyler to 1190 ppm in Wichita Falls.
In the past 3 years, 10 of 43 cities in Texas have recorded water quality violations, totaling 70 violations (30 health-based). All 43 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
With very hard water on average, many Texas residents may notice mineral buildup on fixtures, dry skin, or stiff-feeling hair. A shower filter for hard water can help reduce chlorine exposure, while a water softener addresses the mineral buildup directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Texas?
Most tap water in Texas meets EPA standards, but 10 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (30 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Texas?
Texas's average water hardness is 224 ppm (13.1 GPG), classified as Very Hard. This is above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Texas has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, San Antonio ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Texas. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.
Which city in Texas has the most water quality issues?
Laredo currently has the most water quality concerns in Texas, with 17 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Texas get its water from?
The majority of Texas's water systems (95%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
Largest Cities in Texas
The 16 biggest utilities by population served — hardness, lead status, and violations at a glance
Houston
Utility serves 2.2M
San Antonio
Utility serves 2.1M
Dallas
Utility serves 1.4M
Austin
Utility serves 1.1M
Fort Worth
Utility serves 956K
El Paso
Utility serves 748K
Arlington
Utility serves 405K
Corpus Christi
Utility serves 318K
Plano
Utility serves 292K
Lubbock
Utility serves 275K
Irving
Utility serves 265K
Laredo
Utility serves 260K
Garland
Utility serves 249K
Frisco
Utility serves 232K
Mckinney
Utility serves 224K
Grand Prairie
Utility serves 202K
More Cities in Texas
All 43 covered cities, A–Z