C53/100
San Antonio Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,170,211 residents · Texas
What's In San Antonio's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
strontium | 2400.00 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 2016.
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
SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
2,113,151
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX0150018
CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
Population Served
7,357
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX0150039
JBSA - RANDOLPH
Population Served
10,949
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX0150115
JBSA - SAM HOUSTON
Population Served
37,563
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX0150116
THE OAKS WSC
Population Served
1,191
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX0150399
Frequently Asked Questions About San Antonio Water
Is San Antonio tap water safe to drink?
San Antonio, Texas tap water receives a grade of C (53/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 132 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in San Antonio's water?
Of the 77 contaminants tested in San Antonio's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), strontium. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does San Antonio have any water quality violations?
Yes, San Antonio has 132 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, RPT, TT. 17 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in San Antonio?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in San Antonio is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does San Antonio's tap water come from?
San Antonio's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM and 4 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 2,170,211 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is San Antonio'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. San Antonio'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 San Antonio's water compare to other cities in Texas?
San Antonio's water quality score of 53/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Texas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about San Antonio's water quality?
If you have concerns about San Antonio'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 (SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM) 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.