Is El Lago, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.4/100
waterverge.com El Lago, TX — Water Quality Report
El Lago's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,002 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.6 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 12 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about El Lago's water
El Lago ranks #266 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is El Lago, TX water safe to drink?
El Lago's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,002 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for El Lago
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into El Lago's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for El Lago's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
El Lago's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Harris County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Clear Ck Nr Friendswood, Dickinson Bayou At Fm 517 Nr Alvin.
Where does El Lago's water come from?
El Lago's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 4,002 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Clear Ck Nr Friendswood (river), Dickinson Bayou At Fm 517 Nr Alvin (river).
What El Lago residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in El Lago's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
El Lago's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of El Lago
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near El Lago, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 269,393 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LYONDELLBASELL ACETYLS LLC LA PORTE, TX77571 | Methanol | 147,866 | 9.4 mi |
EQUISTAR CHEMICALS LP LA PORTE, TX77571 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 120,365 | 10.0 mi |
HALDOR TOPSOE INC PASADENA, TX77507 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 581 | 3.0 mi |
EURECAT US PASADENA, TX77507 | Molybdenum trioxide | 360 | 5.2 mi |
KETJEN LLC - BAYPORT PLANT PASADENA, TX77507 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 221 | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtHarris County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Harris County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 3.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how El Lago compares by contaminant
Explore where El Lago ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where El Lago's water comes from
El Lago's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 4,002 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near El Lago
El Lago is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving El Lago
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARRIS COUNTY WCID 50 EL LAGO | TX1010241 | 4,002 | SWP |
How El Lago compares
Full Texas rankings →El Lago's score of 83.4/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About El Lago, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to El Lago's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harris
Frequently asked questions
Is El Lago, TX tap water safe to drink?
El Lago's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #266 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in El Lago's water?
Lead was measured at 3.6 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is El Lago'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 El Lago?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does El Lago's water come from?
El Lago's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 4,002 residents.
What health violations has El Lago's water system had?
El Lago has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does El Lago's water compare to other cities?
El Lago ranks #266 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 75% of state cities) and #6440 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.