Houston, Texas Water Quality Report
Population: 2,304,580 | Last Updated: 1/14/2024
Overall Water Quality Grade
Based on compliance rates, contaminant levels, and treatment effectiveness
Water Sources
Houston receives its drinking water from multiple sources:
Lake Houston
25%Surface Water
Reservoir on the San Jacinto River northeast of Houston
Lake Conroe
30%Surface Water
Reservoir on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River
Trinity River
35%Surface Water
Water from the Trinity River via Lake Livingston
Local Groundwater
10%Groundwater
Groundwater from the Gulf Coast Aquifer and Chicot Aquifer
Detected Contaminants
All contaminants listed below are within legal limits, but some may exceed health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Detected Level | Legal Limit | Health Goal | Status | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 68 ppb | 80 ppb | 0 ppb | Below Legal Limit | → stable |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 48 ppb | 60 ppb | 0 ppb | Below Legal Limit | → stable |
| Lead | 5.2 ppb | 15 ppb | 0 ppb | Below Legal Limit | → stable |
| Radium | 2.8 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | 0.43 pCi/L | Above Health Goal | → stable |
| Atrazine | 1.2 ppb | 3 ppb | 0.15 ppb | Above Health Goal | → seasonal |
Comparison with Texas State Average
Lead Compliance
3.0 points above state average
Bacterial Compliance
1.0 points above state average
Chemical Compliance
2.0 points above state average
Overall Score
2.0 points above state average
Water Quality Trends
Overall water quality score over the past 5 years
Water quality has improved by 2.0 points since 2019
Contamination History
Hurricane Harvey Impact
Massive flooding from Hurricane Harvey caused temporary water quality concerns and boil water notices in some areas
Resolution:
Emergency chlorination, extensive testing, infrastructure repairs completed
Winter Storm Uri
Severe winter storm caused water main breaks and treatment plant operational challenges
Resolution:
Boil water notice issued and lifted after testing confirmed safety, infrastructure winterization improvements made
Frequently Asked Questions - Houston Water Quality
Is Houston tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Houston's tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city operates multiple treatment plants and conducts thousands of water quality tests monthly to ensure safety.
Why does Houston water taste different sometimes?
Houston draws water from multiple surface water sources (lakes and rivers) which can vary in taste depending on seasonal factors, rainfall, and which plant serves your area. All sources are treated to meet quality standards.
What are disinfection byproducts and should I be concerned?
Disinfection byproducts (TTHMs and HAA5) form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. Houston's levels are below federal limits. The city uses optimized treatment processes to minimize these compounds while maintaining necessary disinfection.
How did Hurricane Harvey affect Houston's water?
While some areas experienced temporary boil water notices, Houston's water system proved resilient. The city has since invested in infrastructure improvements and emergency preparedness to better handle extreme weather events.
Should I filter my Houston tap water?
Houston tap water is safe to drink as-is. However, some residents use filters to improve taste or reduce chlorine. If filtering, use NSF-certified filters and maintain them according to manufacturer instructions.
Nearby Water Utilities
Compare water quality in nearby cities:
Sugar Land, TX
Pasadena, TX
Pearland, TX
The Woodlands, TX
Utility Information
Water Provider
Houston Public Works
Contact Information
Customer Service: 832-395-2700
Emergency: 311
Data Disclaimer
This water quality report is compiled from publicly available data and annual water quality reports. For the most current information, please contact your local water utility or visit their official website. Last updated: 1/14/2024.