In the US, public sentiment to drinking tap water varies on a state-to-state basis. This makes sense, as tap water is regulated through a range of federal, state, and municipal agencies. Anyone who has even seen the not crystal-clear bayous in Houston, or have been to one of the beaches in Galveston, has probably been a little suspect of Houston water.
But is there a correlation with the city’s tap water? And how safe is it really to drink? Learn more about the quality of Houston’s tap water below.
Where does Houston’s Water come from?
Houston’s drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources (86%), with the majority supplied by Lake Houston and Lake Conroe. Additionally, the city also draws water from Lake Livingstone in the Trinity River System and groundwater wells (14%). These sources are treated by the City of Houston’s municipal water system before being distributed to residents and businesses.
How is Houston tap water regulated?
In accordance with state and federal regulations, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the main authority in the regulation over Houston’s drinking water quality.
In addition, the City of Houston’s Department of Public Works and Engineering manages and operates the municipal water system regularly undergoing monitoring and testing of water quality in compliance with regulatory standards.
Furthermore, the City of Houston is part of the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Partnership for Safe Water initiative.
How does the quality of Houston tap water compare to other cities?
Reports on Texas water are somewhat conflicting. Back in May 2021, lawn-care company Lawnstarter conducted a study ranking the 200 most populous cities based on water quality. The company based its study on seven factors:
- satisfaction with overall water quality
- satisfaction with drinking water quality and accessibility
- total water quality violations
- increase in water quality violations
- share of homes lacking plumbing or kitchen facilities
- share of homes with sewage disposal breakdowns in last three months
- natural hazards index score
Of 200 most populous cities in the US, the study ranked Houston as the 171st city for water quality. As for Texas cities, the study found Frisco to have the highest quality of water in the state at 10th overall.
Midland (18), Laredo (21), McKinney (46), Arlington (67), San Antonio (77), Mesquite (84), Garland (88), Pasadena (95), Irving (98), Grand Prairie (101), Killeen (106), Lubbock (108), Austin (113), Plano (126), McAllen (131), Dallas (136), El Paso (140), and Amarillo (165) all placed above Houston on the list.
Is all tap water in Houston the same?
Houston has six public water systems, that which draw their water from separate sources. As such, there are varying levels of water contaminants depending on the water system in use. The six public water systems in Houston are:
- Belleau Wood
- District 73
- District 92
- Kingwood
- Main System
- Willow Chase
Is tap water in Houston safe to drink?
According to multiple sources, Houston’s tap water is in accordance with EPA and international standards and thus, safe to drink. However, Houston has what’s called “hard water”, water is that very mineral rich, and thus, probably doesn’t taste great to everyone. The taste of the water also depends on the Houston neighborhood and its local water system.
See also: 44 Marvelous Things To Do In Houston This May