B79/100

Waco Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 167,234 residents · Texas

What's In Waco's Tap Water?

76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.002 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

No violations in the past 5 years

Full EPA compliance since 2003.

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

WEST BRAZOS WSC
Population Served

2,880

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

TX0730021

CITY OF WACO
Population Served

146,241

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

TX1550008

CHALK BLUFF WSC
Population Served

3,852

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

TX1550020

GHOLSON WSC
Population Served

3,903

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

TX1550028

PURE WSC
Population Served

1,125

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

TX1550039

SPRING VALLEY WSC
Population Served

2,700

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

TX1550044

TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE - WACO
Population Served

6,533

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

TX1550138

Frequently Asked Questions About Waco Water

Is Waco tap water safe to drink?

Waco, Texas tap water receives a grade of B (79/100), which is considered good. Out of 77 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 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 Waco's water?

Of the 77 contaminants tested in Waco's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Waco have any water quality violations?

Yes, Waco has 68 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 14 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Waco?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Waco 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 Waco's tap water come from?

Waco's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by WEST BRAZOS WSC and 6 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 167,234 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Waco'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. Waco'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 Waco's water compare to other cities in Texas?

Waco's water quality score of 79/100 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 Waco's water quality?

If you have concerns about Waco'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 (WEST BRAZOS WSC) 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.

Nearby Cities in Texas