El Paso Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
El Paso tap water has notable issues that residents should consider. At 207 ppm (12.1 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA limits — a water filter is strongly recommended. There have been 12 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Action Needed
Quality issues detected
12.1 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is El Paso Tap Water Safe to Drink?
El Paso tap water has significant quality concerns that may require action.
10 contaminants were tested in El Paso's water. 10 were detected, and 2 exceed EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFOS at 33.1 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt), PFOA at 29.1 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt) — exceed the EPA safety limit. 5 other PFAS compounds were also detected within limits.
A man-made "forever chemical" formerly used in Scotchgard, firefighting foam, and industrial processes. Associated with increased cholesterol, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and certain cancers.
→ A reverse osmosis (RO) or NSF-certified activated carbon filter can reduce PFOS by 90% or more.
Lead — Lead (1.16 ppb) is at 8% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 748K people in the El Paso area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
El Paso has PFAS levels exceeding EPA limits. A reverse osmosis (RO) filter or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is recommended to reduce PFAS in your drinking water. With very hard water (207 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is El Paso Water?
207 ppm
12.1 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 207 ppm, El Paso has very hard water. A water softener is recommended to prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. Hard water can reduce appliance efficiency by up to 30% and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Based on 32 samples from TODO: Add from CCR ()
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your El Paso tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in El Paso
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
1.16 ppb
El Paso lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
2 PFAS chemicals exceed EPA limits
+ 3 more PFAS compounds detected
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels.
Other Detected Contaminants
10 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFHPA | 6.2 ppt Range: 0-6.2 UCMR5 - 1/6 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 7.3 ppt Range: 0-7.3 UCMR5 - 1/6 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFPEA | 8.1 ppt Range: 0-8.1 UCMR5 - 1/6 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFBS | 28.7 ppt Range: 0-28.7 UCMR5 - 1/6 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHPA | 6.2 ppt Range: 0-6.2 UCMR5 - 1/6 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 7.3 ppt Range: 0-7.3 UCMR5 - 1/6 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHxS | 5.7 ppt Range: 0-5.7 UCMR5 - 1/6 samples detected | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Caution 57% of limit |
PFOA | 29.1 ppt Range: 0-29.1 UCMR5 - 1/6 samples detected - Max 29.1 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 728% of limit |
PFOS | 33.1 ppt Range: 0-33.1 UCMR5 - 1/6 samples detected - Max 33.1 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 828% of limit |
PFPEA | 8.1 ppt Range: 0-8.1 UCMR5 - 1/6 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
12
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
12
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides El Paso's Water?
Utility Name
EL PASO WATER UTILITIES PUBLIC SERVICE B
EPA System ID (PWSID)
TX0710002
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
748K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about El Paso tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Texas
Houston
Moderate water
San Antonio
Very Hard water
Dallas
Hard water
Austin
Very Hard water
Fort Worth
Hard water
Arlington
Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: TODO: Add from CCR ()