1
Hard water (8 gpg) can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances but is generally safe to drink.
2
PFAS compounds detected. Consider a reverse osmosis filter for removal.
3
Chlorine levels are within EPA limits but may affect taste and smell.

Current Score

59 / 100

Poor

"Good" threshold (70)

Houston tap water is sourced from Lake Houston and Lake Livingston and treated by City of Houston Public Works. PFAS forever chemicals have been detected. Water hardness is hard at 8.0 GPG which may cause scale buildup. Overall purity score: 59/100 (Poor). Updated for 2026.

Need a Filter?

We've matched the best filters for Houston's specific water issues.

View Best Filter

The Best Water Filter For Houston Homes

Matched to local water issues and filtration standards.

Best for Houston APEC Water Systems ROES-50 — Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis

APEC Water Systems ROES-50

Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis

Price Range $195–220

Top Pick for Houston

APEC Water Systems ROES-50

Houston: PFAS detected or elevated lead risk. Reverse osmosis is the only residential technology proven to reduce both below detection limits. TDS will also drop significantly.

Why this fits Houston

Removes 99 percent of PFAS lead and heavy metals
NSF/ANSI 53 and 58 certified for lead and PFAS removal
Also removes chlorine nitrates fluoride and dissolved solids

Buy on Amazon See Full Recommendation

As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices may vary.

Want to know exactly what's in YOUR tap?

City reports show averages. Your home may be different — especially with older pipes.

Buy Test Kit on Amazon ($25–30)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston TX tap water safe to drink in 2026?

Houston tap water meets EPA federal drinking water standards and scores 59/100 (Poor) on PurityMap for 2026. PFAS forever chemicals have been detected at 3.8 ppt. An NSF-certified filter is strongly recommended. For most healthy adults the water is considered safe but point-of-use filtration adds an important layer of protection.

Does Houston TX use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?

Houston uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.7 ppm. Chloramine is harder to remove than free chlorine and requires a catalytic carbon or reverse osmosis filter. Standard Brita-style pitchers will NOT remove chloramine.

How hard is Houston TX water and what is the TDS level?

Houston water hardness is 8.0 grains per gallon (hard) with a TDS of 290 ppm (fair). This level causes noticeable scale buildup in water heaters kettles and dishwashers. A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and reduce soap usage.

Has PFAS been found in Houston TX drinking water?

Yes. PFAS forever chemicals have been detected in Houston water at approximately 3.8 ppt according to EPA UCMR5 monitoring data. A reverse osmosis or NSF P473-certified filter is the most effective residential solution.

Nearby Water Quality Reports

Dallas Texas — 64/100 College Station Texas — 69/100 Lubbock Texas — 71/100 San Antonio Texas — 73/100 Midland Texas — 73/100 Odessa Texas — 73/100

View all Texas cities

Explore Water Quality by State

Compare water quality reports across all 50 US states

View All States

Data Sources & Methodology

EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
EWG Tap Water Database
City of Houston Public Works Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
USGS regional water monitoring data

PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.

Link copied!