01The verdict: is Cypress water safe?
Cypress's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (34.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 144 water systems serve approximately 75,711 residents using groundwater (wells).
Copper is over its legal limit
Measured at 2.22 mg/L against the EPA Action Level of 1.3 mg/L. The ledger below shows how far over — and which filter removes it.
See the measurement ↓Lead is well under the limit
90th-percentile lead is 0.0 ppb — beneath the 15 ppb federal action level and under the 5 ppb watch threshold.
See the trend ↓lithium is approaching its limit
Measured at 52.5000 µg/L — 120% of the 0.004 µg/L limit. Within the rules, but with less headroom than you'd want.
See the ledger ↓Cypress's drinking water received a grade of F (34.3 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 144 water systems serve approximately 75,711 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 9 PFAS compounds, with levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in the water supply. The system has 4147 violations on record, including 624 health-based violations. 1240 remain unresolved.
Cypress ranks #1052 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state. Cypress relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff. Of particular concern: PFAS "forever chemical" levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. These synthetic compounds don't break down naturally and require specialized filtration such as reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon. Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 35.5 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts. Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 1.33 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration. The system has seen 822 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
02What's in Cypress's water
Every contaminant flagged in Cypress, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
Over Limit — EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L
Exceeds the EPA action level. Copper leaches from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking, and consider a certified filter.Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.22 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | 0.051 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | 52.500 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | 0.008 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | 0.005 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | 0.007 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | 0.005 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | 0.005 | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Over MCL |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | 0.005 | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Over MCL |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | 0.014 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in Texas
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in Texas
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03Cypress's ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 4147 violations on record, including 624 health-based violations. 1240 remain unresolved.
1 of the last ten years was clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.
▼ Down 1.8 ppb since 1993. Latest reading: 0 ppb (2026) — 0% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
▲ Up 0.17 mg/L since 1998. The latest reading (1.9 mg/L, 2022) is over the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where Cypress's water comes from
Cypress's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater
Underground aquifers reached by wells — naturally filtered, but can carry minerals like arsenic and nitrate.
Local treatment
Groundwater generally needs less treatment — typically disinfection and, where needed, mineral removal.
144 systems
144 water systems (9 wholesalers), operated under local government ownership.
75,711 people
Residents served across Cypress's service area.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals. Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds. The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 75,711 people through 144 water systems.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAULKEY GULLY MUD | TX1011602 | 8,193 | Groundwater |
| GBRA CALHOUN COUNTY RURAL WATER SYSTEM | TX0290007 | 4,482 | Purchased Surface Water |
| CRYSTAL SYSTEMS | TX2120015 | 3,879 | Groundwater |
| RIVER PLANTATION MUD | TX1700028 | 2,898 | Groundwater |
| BLUE BELL MANOR SUBDIVISION | TX1010647 | 2,607 | Groundwater |
| HAZY HOLLOW EAST ESTATES | TX1700013 | 2,424 | Groundwater |
| HARRIS COUNTY MUD 58 | TX1011704 | 2,289 | Groundwater |
| NITSCH & SON UTILITY | TX1010145 | 2,190 | Groundwater |
| HILLTOWN ADDITION | TX0610112 | 2,184 | Groundwater |
| HARRIS COUNTY MUD 248 | TX1013306 | 2,076 | Purchased Groundwater |
| BEAUMONT PLACE | TX1010098 | 1,917 | Groundwater |
| COLES CROSSING | TX0360114 | 1,521 | Groundwater |
| SOUTHWOOD ESTATES | TX0200403 | 1,347 | Groundwater |
| CONROE RESORT | TX1700416 | 1,068 | Groundwater |
| MOUNT SYLVAN WATER SYSTEM | TX2120034 | 1,056 | Groundwater |
| CASTLEWOOD SUBDIVISION | TX1010111 | 1,053 | Groundwater |
| WILDWOOD SHORES | TX2360078 | 968 | Groundwater |
| MEADOWLAKE ESTATES | TX1010287 | 966 | Groundwater |
| MAPLE LEAF MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION | TX1011493 | 861 | Groundwater |
| CYPRESS BEND SUBDIVISION | TX1010119 | 819 | Groundwater |
| SPRING FOREST SUBDIVISION | TX1700033 | 759 | Groundwater |
| WHITE OAK VALLEY ESTATES | TX1700036 | 750 | Groundwater |
| RESERVOIR ACRES SUBDIVISION | TX1010197 | 738 | Groundwater |
| OAK SHORES WATER SYSTEM | TX2270060 | 696 | Surface Water |
| SPRING CREEK VALLEY ESTATES | TX1010213 | 645 | Groundwater |
| WOODLAND ACRES SUBDIVISION | TX0360027 | 643 | Groundwater |
| LAKEVIEW N MARSHALL OAKS SOMMERVILLE PLA | TX0260010 | 642 | Groundwater |
| ROSEWOOD WATER SYSTEM | TX2300026 | 639 | Groundwater |
| HIGHLAND RIDGE SUBDIVISION | TX1010157 | 591 | Groundwater |
| RIVERWOOD ESTATES | TX1460146 | 585 | Groundwater |
| URBAN ACRES SUBDIVISION | TX1010252 | 570 | Groundwater |
| BENCHLEY OAKS SUBDIVISION | TX0210039 | 567 | Groundwater |
| GRASSLANDS | TX0200360 | 516 | Groundwater |
| FOREST SPRINGS WATER SYSTEM | TX1870059 | 510 | Groundwater |
| GARDEN VALLEY RESORT | TX2120081 | 510 | Groundwater |
| SPRING CREEK PURE UTILITIES | TX1870149 | 498 | Groundwater |
| SPRINGMONT SUBDIVISION | TX1010255 | 495 | Groundwater |
| HUFFMAN HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION | TX1010700 | 435 | Groundwater |
| PORTER TERRACE | TX1700161 | 417 | Groundwater |
| TAYLOR LAKE ESTATES WATER SYSTEM | TX1870064 | 416 | Groundwater |
| BEECHWOOD SUBDIVISION | TX0200245 | 411 | Groundwater |
| STALLION LAKE RANCH | TX2120104 | 399 | Groundwater |
| PALOMA ACRES SUBDIVISION | TX0200597 | 390 | Groundwater |
| BRAZOS OAKS SUBDIVISION | TX0200639 | 390 | Groundwater |
| TOWER OAK BEND WSC | TX1011981 | 390 | Groundwater |
| PIONEER TRAILS SUBDIVISION | TX1700114 | 384 | Groundwater |
| EAST PONDER ESTATES | TX0610161 | 363 | Groundwater |
| ROSHARON TOWNSHIP | TX0200036 | 354 | Groundwater |
| BROOKSHIRES CAMP JOY WATER SYSTEM | TX2300015 | 348 | Groundwater |
| HEATHERGATE ESTATES | TX1011302 | 342 | Groundwater |
| DEMI JOHN PLACE WATER SYSTEM | TX0200185 | 336 | Groundwater |
| CROWLEY II ACRE SUBDIVISION | TX1260012 | 336 | Groundwater |
| MARK V ESTATES | TX0200432 | 330 | Groundwater |
| FRIENDSHIP WATER SYSTEM | TX2300020 | 330 | Groundwater |
| COMMODORE CAPE WATER SYSTEM | TX1870026 | 321 | Groundwater |
| GREENGATE ACRES SUBDIVISION | TX1010132 | 318 | Groundwater |
| FOREST MANOR SUBDIVISION | TX1010264 | 300 | Groundwater |
| BUFFALO CREEK | TX1260084 | 300 | Groundwater |
| RIVERSIDE ESTATES | TX0200058 | 297 | Groundwater |
| TEJAS LAKES SUBDIVISION | TX0790504 | 297 | Groundwater |
| BERNARD OAKS SUBDIVISION | TX0200338 | 294 | Groundwater |
| LAKESIDE VILLAGE SUBDIVISION | TX1870095 | 290 | Groundwater |
| TEJAS LANDING SUBDIVISION | TX0790656 | 288 | Groundwater |
| RIVER CLUB WATER | TX1700185 | 273 | Groundwater |
| ENCHANTED VALLEY ESTATES WSC | TX1010978 | 270 | Groundwater |
| RIVER RANCH | TX0790425 | 267 | Groundwater |
| GARDEN ACRES SUBDIVISION | TX0920031 | 252 | Groundwater |
| PEACH CREEK OAKS SUBDIVISION | TX1700051 | 250 | Groundwater |
| LOCH NESS COVE SUBDIVISION WATER SYSTEM | TX1700148 | 246 | Groundwater |
| WILCO WATER | TX0200083 | 243 | Groundwater |
| APACHE HILLS | TX0260019 | 243 | Groundwater |
| SANDY MEADOW ESTATES SUBDIVISION | TX0200335 | 237 | Groundwater |
| BAYRIDGE SUBDIVISION WATER SYSTEM | TX0360028 | 234 | Groundwater |
| WHITE TAIL RIDGE LAKES ESTATES | TX2290012 | 233 | Groundwater |
| JOY VILLAGE | TX1700021 | 231 | Groundwater |
| COLONY TRAILS SUBDIVISION | TX0200604 | 228 | Groundwater |
| CAPE TRANQUILITY SYSTEM | TX1070176 | 225 | Groundwater |
| ROSHARON ROAD ESTATES SUBDIVISION | TX0200346 | 219 | Groundwater |
| LOST LAKES | TX0360108 | 217 | Groundwater |
| TEXAS WATER SUPPLY | TX1870131 | 213 | Groundwater |
| SAN BERNARD RIVER ESTATES | TX0200460 | 207 | Groundwater |
| LAKEWOOD ESTATES | TX0210042 | 202 | Groundwater |
| MOORELAND SUBDIVISION WATER SYSTEM | TX0200094 | 201 | Groundwater |
| SIX LAKES SUBDIVISION | TX1460015 | 195 | Groundwater |
| LAKEWOOD COLONY | TX1700029 | 195 | Groundwater |
| LITTLE OAK FOREST SUBDIVISION | TX0260037 | 189 | Groundwater |
| SHADY BROOK ACRES | TX1700031 | 189 | Groundwater |
| ALLENDALE WATER SYSTEM | TX1700187 | 180 | Groundwater |
| OAK MEADOWS ESTATES SUBDIVISION | TX0200566 | 174 | Groundwater |
| COLONY COVE SUBDIVISION WATER SYSTEM | TX0200324 | 171 | Groundwater |
| OAKS AT HOUSTON POINT | TX0360126 | 165 | Groundwater |
| WOODHAVEN ESTATES | TX1700481 | 165 | Groundwater |
| OAK FOREST LAKEWAY MANOR | TX1980017 | 162 | Groundwater |
| JOHN DAME | TX1260090 | 159 | Groundwater |
| TALL CEDARS MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION | TX1010219 | 156 | Groundwater |
| ANGLE ACRES WATER SYSTEM | TX0200244 | 153 | Groundwater |
| KUCERA FARMS SUBDIVISION | TX0200665 | 150 | Groundwater |
| SMETANA FOREST | TX0210010 | 150 | Groundwater |
| OAKLAND VILLAGE MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY | TX1011049 | 150 | Groundwater |
| WAYNEWOOD PLACE CIVIC CLUB | TX1011186 | 147 | Groundwater |
| COUNTRY MEADOWS | TX0200273 | 141 | Groundwater |
| CORONADO COUNTRY | TX0200275 | 141 | Groundwater |
| CRYSTAL LAKE ESTATES | TX0790510 | 138 | Groundwater |
| HILLGREEN SUBDIVISION WATER CO | TX1700539 | 138 | Groundwater |
| SNUG HARBOR SUBDIVISION | TX0200053 | 135 | Groundwater |
| COUNTRY ACRE ESTATES | TX0200274 | 132 | Groundwater |
| ROCK CREEK ESTATES | TX1260082 | 132 | Groundwater |
| STONE HEDGE ESTATES | TX1700102 | 129 | Groundwater |
| SPANISH BIT PLANTATION SUBDIVISION | TX1610102 | 126 | Groundwater |
| BAYOU COLONY SUBDIVISION | TX0200358 | 120 | Groundwater |
| CYPRESS VILLAGE TRAILER & RV PARK | TX1010603 | 120 | Groundwater |
| RIVERBOAT BEND TRAILER PARK | TX1460088 | 120 | Groundwater |
| TANGLEWOOD FOREST SUBDIVISION | TX2040054 | 118 | Groundwater |
| BLUE SAGE GARDENS SUBDIVISION | TX0200323 | 117 | Groundwater |
| STONERIDGE LAKE SUBDIVISION | TX0200624 | 117 | Groundwater |
| BAR D RANCHETTES | TX1460076 | 117 | Groundwater |
| WOLF GLEN WATER SYSTEM | TX0200370 | 108 | Groundwater |
| BRIAR MEADOWS | TX0200410 | 108 | Groundwater |
| BEAR CREEK ESTATES | TX2200336 | 99 | Groundwater |
| COLUMBUS OAKS APARTMENTS | TX0450049 | 96 | Groundwater |
| HIGHLAND MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION | TX1010285 | 96 | Groundwater |
| COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES | TX2300021 | 96 | Groundwater |
| BRANDI ESTATES | TX0200325 | 93 | Groundwater |
| BELL MANOR SUBDIVISION | TX1260080 | 87 | Groundwater |
| SWEETGUM FOREST | TX1700113 | 87 | Groundwater |
| BENTWOOD BEND WATER SYSTEM | TX1870154 | 87 | Groundwater |
| MARTIN CREEK ESTATES | TX1260122 | 84 | Groundwater |
| CORNERSTONE MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY | TX1013193 | 81 | Groundwater |
| LEE RIDGE SUBDIVISION | TX0200506 | 78 | Groundwater |
| GRANTWOODS WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION | TX1010130 | 78 | Groundwater |
| WOOD ACRES MHP | TX1700426 | 78 | Groundwater |
| HOLIDAY HARBOR SUBDIVISION | TX1610022 | 75 | Groundwater |
| LAZY ACRES MOBILE HOME PARK | TX1013249 | 72 | Groundwater |
| RYAN LONG SUBDIVISION 2 WATER SYSTEM | TX0200108 | 57 | Groundwater |
| THE HOUSTON OAKS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB | TX2370030 | 54 | Groundwater |
| WHISPERING WOODS | TX0260032 | 51 | Groundwater |
| DOGWOOD TREE WATER SYSTEM | TX1010927 | 48 | Groundwater |
| QUAILWOOD WATER SYSTEM | TX1011475 | 48 | Purchased Groundwater |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 212 | TX1700967 | 45 | Purchased Groundwater |
| BARLOW LAKE ESTATES | TX2290015 | 41 | Groundwater |
| TOWN BLUFF WATER SYSTEM | TX2290043 | 34 | Groundwater |
| WILLOWBREEZE FARM SUBDIVISION | TX0200744 | 20 | Groundwater |
| GUADALUPE BLANCO RIVER AUTHORITY | TX0290005 | — | Surface Water |
| THE HIGHLANDS | TX1700909 | — | Groundwater |
Water bodies near Cypress
These water bodies shape the regional watershed and can indirectly affect groundwater quality.
05Pressure on Cypress's watershed
Outside forces that shape what reaches the treatment plant. None of these is a verdict on the tap by itself — but each adds pressure worth knowing about.
Flood & storm history
10 federal disaster declarations on record for Harris County. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and push runoff into supplies.
06How Cypress compares
Scores for nearby Texas cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = Texas average (46/100)
Cypress scores 34.3/100 — below the Texas average of 46/100. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. Full Texas rankings →
27.8 / 100FSan Antonio, TX
33.1 / 100FAustin, TX
31.2 / 100FDallas, TX
36.2 / 100FFort Worth, TX
34.5 / 100FEl Paso, TX
35.8 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
07What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in Cypress's water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
Reverse osmosis system. PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels
Compare tested filters →Read your utility's annual report
Every utility must publish a yearly Consumer Confidence Report with its own testing results. It pairs well with the independent data on this page.
How to read a CCR →Watch for Cypress alerts
This area has a history of flood declarations — after severe weather, watch for boil-water advisories from the utility, and check the live alerts on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is Cypress, TX tap water safe to drink?
Cypress's water quality earned a grade of F (34.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #1052 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Cypress's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 PFAS compounds were detected. 4147 violations are on record.
How is Cypress's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Cypress?
PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended.
Where does Cypress's water come from?
Cypress's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 144 water systems serving approximately 75,711 residents.
What health violations has Cypress's water system had?
Cypress has 624 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1240 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cypress's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cypress uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 4147 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
Why does Cypress have so many PFAS compounds in its water?
9 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Cypress's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. Some levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels — a reverse osmosis or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is strongly recommended.
How does Cypress's water compare to other cities?
Cypress ranks #1052 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 1% of state cities) and #15220 out of 15382 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.