B60/100
South Houston Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 17,397 residents · Texas
What's In South Houston's Tap Water?
54
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2011.
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 SOUTH HOUSTON
Population Served
17,397
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX1010294
Frequently Asked Questions About South Houston Water
Is South Houston tap water safe to drink?
South Houston, Texas tap water receives a grade of B (60/100), which is considered good. Out of 54 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 South Houston's water?
Of the 54 contaminants tested in South Houston's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). 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 South Houston have any water quality violations?
Yes, South Houston has 21 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2011. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in South Houston?
South Houston 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 South Houston's tap water come from?
South Houston's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CITY OF SOUTH HOUSTON. The system serves approximately 17,397 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is South Houston'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. South Houston'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 South Houston's water compare to other cities in Texas?
South Houston's water quality score of 60/100 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 South Houston's water quality?
If you have concerns about South Houston'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 SOUTH HOUSTON) 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.