A88/100
Mcallen Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 189,957 residents · Texas
What's In Mcallen's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
3
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
strontium | 1590.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
chlorate | 668.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2018.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
MCALLEN PUBLIC UTILITY
Population Served
189,957
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TX1080006
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcallen Water
Is Mcallen tap water safe to drink?
Mcallen, Texas tap water receives a grade of A (88/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 3 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Mcallen's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Mcallen's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), strontium, chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Mcallen have any water quality violations?
Yes, Mcallen has 3 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2018. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Mcallen?
Mcallen water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 3 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Mcallen's tap water come from?
Mcallen's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by MCALLEN PUBLIC UTILITY. The system serves approximately 189,957 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Mcallen's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Mcallen's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Mcallen's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Mcallen's water quality score of 88/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Mcallen among the better-performing water systems in Texas. Visit our Texas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Mcallen's water quality?
If you have concerns about Mcallen's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (MCALLEN PUBLIC UTILITY) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.