B67/100
Odessa Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 138,634 residents · Texas
What's In Odessa's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
strontium | 1700.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2021.
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
CITY OF ODESSA
Population Served
123,334
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TX0680002
ECTOR COUNTY UTILITY DISTRICT
Population Served
15,300
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX0680235
Frequently Asked Questions About Odessa Water
Is Odessa tap water safe to drink?
Odessa, Texas tap water receives a grade of B (67/100), which is considered good. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 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 Odessa's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Odessa's water supply, the most notable include strontium. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Odessa have any water quality violations?
Yes, Odessa has 38 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Odessa?
Odessa 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Odessa's tap water come from?
Odessa's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CITY OF ODESSA and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 138,634 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Odessa'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. Odessa'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 Odessa's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Odessa's water quality score of 67/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Texas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Odessa's water quality?
If you have concerns about Odessa'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 (CITY OF ODESSA) 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.