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Laredo Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Laredo tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 17 violations recorded over the past 3 years.

C

Some Concerns

Monitor recommended

Lead

Below EPA action level

1.37ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Hardness data not available

Violations

Past 3 years

17total

5 health-based

View EPA report →

Is Laredo Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Laredo tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.

  • •5 health-based violations in the past 3 years.
  • •Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter for added safety.

The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 260K people in the Laredo area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.

How Hard is Laredo Water?

Water hardness data is not currently available for Laredo.

Contact your local water utility for this information.

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 Laredo tap water.

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Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Laredo

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

1.37 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Laredo lead levels are well within safe limits.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2024-12-31

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

Children

Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

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

EPA Compliance History

Action Recommended

Active health-based violations detected

Consider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.

3-Year Violation Summary

17

Total Violations

5

Health-Related

12

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

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.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Laredo

Who Provides Laredo's Water?

Utility Name

CITY OF LAREDO

EPA System ID (PWSID)

TX2400001

Primary Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

260K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Laredo tap water quality

Laredo tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable EPA limits. You may want to consider using a water filter, especially for drinking water. Check the detailed report for specific contaminant levels.
Lead levels (1.37 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Laredo's tap water is provided by CITY OF LAREDO. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is TX2400001. The primary water source is Surface Water. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Laredo.
Laredo's water utility has had 17 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 5 were health-based and 12 were monitoring/reporting related.
Laredo's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a safe and common practice required by the EPA. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Laredo's tap water primarily comes from surface water sources. Surface water is collected from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, then treated before distribution. The water is provided by CITY OF LAREDO.

Nearby Cities in Texas

Houston

Moderate water

San Antonio

Very Hard water

Dallas

Hard water

Austin

Very Hard water

Fort Worth

Hard water

El Paso

Very Hard water

View all Texas cities

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