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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 11 cities in Texas
It depends on your utility. 2 of the 11 Texas water systems we grade from EPA records have a health-based violation in the last five years; the state averages 82/100 (6 below the national 88). Lowest graded: El Paso (D). Highest: Lubbock (A).
Texas's official certified-lab list, when to test well vs city water, typical lab prices, and how to take a first-draw lead sample.
Across the 11 Texas water systems we can grade from EPA records, the average score is 82/100 — 6 points below the U.S. national average of 88/100. 36% of graded Texas cities (4 of 11) score above that national benchmark, and 4 earn a Grade A. 2 cities have at least one health-based EPA violation in the last five years.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Texas water systems are arsenic (west texas groundwater), radium (gulf coast region) and nitrates (agricultural areas). See the full breakdown in our Texas water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Texas
275,041 residents
2,643,729 residents
318,387 residents
292,059 residents
413,955 residents
2,970,543 residents
1,356,479 residents
1,115,323 residents
264,546 residents
955,900 residents
747,168 residents
Texas has a diverse water landscape with significant regional variations in water quality. The state's rapid population growth, agricultural demands, and energy industry activities create ongoing water quality challenges. From the Edwards Aquifer in Central Texas to the Ogallala Aquifer in the Panhandle, groundwater quality varies considerably across the state.
Across the 11 Texas cities graded from EPA records, the average water quality score is 82/100. 1 city scores below 70 (D or F) because of health-based violations, lead results, PFAS or historical readings near a limit. The highest-rated city is Lubbock with a score of 96/100, while El Paso has the most room for improvement at 68/100.
1 of the 11 Texas cities we grade score below 70/100. If your city is one of them — or you just want extra protection — a certified filter is the fastest way to reduce exposure. The findings that drag a score down (lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrate) are exactly the ones a basic carbon pitcher does not remove.
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Texas relies on a mix of surface water (rivers and reservoirs) and groundwater. Major aquifers include the Ogallala, Gulf Coast, Edwards-Trinity, and Carrizo-Wilcox. Surface water sources include the Colorado, Brazos, Trinity, and Rio Grande rivers. Many communities in West Texas depend entirely on groundwater.
These contaminants have been detected in various Texas water systems
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates drinking water and generally follows federal EPA standards. Texas has been working to address legacy contamination issues and improve water infrastructure across the state. The state provides resources for small water systems that may struggle with compliance.
West Texas residents should be particularly aware of arsenic levels in groundwater. Some Gulf Coast communities face naturally occurring radium in their water supply. Agricultural areas may have elevated nitrate levels that pose risks for infants. Hurricane damage can temporarily affect water quality and require boil notices.
Texans in areas with known groundwater contamination should consider point-of-use filters certified for specific contaminants. Residents using private wells should test annually. During severe weather events, follow local guidance on water safety. Consider activated carbon filters for chlorine taste and odor issues.
Most Texas cities we grade have tap water in good standing with EPA. With an average score of 82/100 across 11 graded cities, Texas generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by utility, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Texas include arsenic (west texas groundwater), radium (gulf coast region), nitrates (agricultural areas). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 1 Texas cities grading D or F on EPA records, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Texas are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Texas water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Texas. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Texas city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
On EPA records, Lubbock has the highest water quality score in Texas at 96/100 (Grade A). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Texas page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Texas are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area