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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 11 cities in Texas
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Texas
1,821 residents
1,000,000 residents
2,300,000 residents
290,000 residents
1,800,000 residents
405,420 residents
405,420 residents
2,970,543 residents
848 residents
2,250 residents
75 residents
Texas has a diverse water landscape with significant regional variations in water quality. The state's rapid population growth, agricultural demands, and energy industry activities create ongoing water quality challenges. From the Edwards Aquifer in Central Texas to the Ogallala Aquifer in the Panhandle, groundwater quality varies considerably across the state.
Based on our analysis of 11 cities in Texas, the average water quality score is 88/100. 2 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Irving with a score of 65/100, while El Paso has the most room for improvement at 97/100.
Texas relies on a mix of surface water (rivers and reservoirs) and groundwater. Major aquifers include the Ogallala, Gulf Coast, Edwards-Trinity, and Carrizo-Wilcox. Surface water sources include the Colorado, Brazos, Trinity, and Rio Grande rivers. Many communities in West Texas depend entirely on groundwater.
These contaminants have been detected in various Texas water systems
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates drinking water and generally follows federal EPA standards. Texas has been working to address legacy contamination issues and improve water infrastructure across the state. The state provides resources for small water systems that may struggle with compliance.
West Texas residents should be particularly aware of arsenic levels in groundwater. Some Gulf Coast communities face naturally occurring radium in their water supply. Agricultural areas may have elevated nitrate levels that pose risks for infants. Hurricane damage can temporarily affect water quality and require boil notices.
Texans in areas with known groundwater contamination should consider point-of-use filters certified for specific contaminants. Residents using private wells should test annually. During severe weather events, follow local guidance on water safety. Consider activated carbon filters for chlorine taste and odor issues.
Most Texas cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 88/100 across 11 cities we analyzed, Texas generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Texas include arsenic (west texas groundwater), radium (gulf coast region), nitrates (agricultural areas). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 2 cities in Texas showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Texas are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Texas water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Texas. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Texas city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Irving has the highest water quality score in Texas at 65/100 (Grade C+). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Texas page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Texas are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area