Houston Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Houston tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. At just 71.9 ppm (4.2 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. There have been 4 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Some Concerns
Monitor recommended
4.2 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Moderate water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Houston Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Houston tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.
15 contaminants were tested in Houston's water. 13 were detected — all within EPA limits.
EPA Violations — 4 health-based EPA violations in the past 3 years across 3 water systems.
Health-based violations mean the water exceeded a federal maximum contaminant level. This is more serious than administrative violations.
→ Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter until violations are resolved.
Disinfection Byproducts — Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) is at 39 ppb — 65% of the EPA limit (60 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of five chemicals that form as byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water. According to the EPA, long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer. Some studies have linked them to reproductive and developmental effects.
→ An activated carbon filter can reduce haloacetic acids in your drinking water.
Disinfectants — Chloramines is at 3 ppm — 75% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
Disinfectants made from chlorine and ammonia, used as an alternative to chlorine. Last longer in the distribution system. Safe at regulated levels. Produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, but can be harmful to fish and dialysis patients.
→ Catalytic carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove chloramines. Standard carbon filters are less effective.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 4 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: 6:2 FTS at 15.9 ppt.
Metals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Arsenic at 1.8 ppb (18% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 3 water utilities serving 2.2M people in the Houston area.
Based on publicly available data from Houston Water 2024 Quality Report (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Houston water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure.
How Hard is Houston Water?
71.9 ppm
4.2 grains per gallon
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Minor dryness possible
Kitchen
Some water spots
Laundry
May need more detergent
Appliances
Minimal scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Range: 43.4–137 ppm
Based on 171 samples from Houston Water 2024 Quality Report (2024)
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 Houston 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 Houston
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
4.99 ppb
Houston lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
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?
According to the EPA, 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 and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: 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”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Chloramines
75% of EPA limit
Range: 0.03–5.4 ppm
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
65% of EPA limit
Range: 0–50.4 ppb
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
56% of EPA limit
Range: 0–48.5 ppb
Arsenic
18% of EPA limit
Range: 0–9.9 ppb
Other Detected Contaminants
15 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Arsenic | 1.8 ppb Range: 0-9.9 | 10 ppb 0 | Safe 18% of limit |
Fluoride | 0.21 ppm Range: 0.11-0.28 | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 5% of limit |
Nitrate | 0.21 ppm Range: 0-0.95 | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 2% of limit |
Barium | 0.12 ppm Range: 0.04-0.36 | 2 ppm Goal: 2 ppm | Safe 6% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 39 ppb Range: 0-50.4 Highest LRAA | 60 ppb | Caution 65% of limit |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 45 ppb Range: 0-48.5 Highest LRAA | 80 ppb | Caution 56% of limit |
Chloramines | 3 ppm Range: 0.03-5.4 | 4 ppm | Caution 75% of limit |
PFHXA | 3.71 ppt Range: 0-5.1 UCMR5 - 16/96 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFPEA | 4.04 ppt Range: 0-6.7 UCMR5 - 11/96 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
6:2 FTS | 15.9 ppt Range: 0-42.6 UCMR5 - 10/96 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFBA | 7.16 ppt Range: 0-10.6 UCMR5 - 9/96 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 3.71 ppt Range: 0-5.1 UCMR5 - 16/96 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/96 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/96 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFPEA | 4.04 ppt Range: 0-6.7 UCMR5 - 11/96 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Action Recommended
Active health-based violations detectedConsider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.
3-Year Violation Summary
4
Total Violations
4
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Houston's Water?
Utility Name
CITY OF HOUSTON
EPA System ID (PWSID)
TX1010013
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
2.2M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Houston tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Texas
San Antonio
Very Hard water
Dallas
Hard water
Austin
Very Hard water
Fort Worth
Hard water
El Paso
Very 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: Houston Water 2024 Quality Report (2024) • View report