Is Houston, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.1/100
waterverge.com Houston, MO — Water Quality Report
Houston's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,289 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.6 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 57 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Houston's water
Houston ranks #376 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Houston 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.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Houston, MO water safe to drink?
Houston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,289 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Houston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Houston's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Houston's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Houston's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Texas County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Houston's water come from?
Houston's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,289 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Houston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Houston'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.
Houston'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
Flood & disaster history
Texas County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 4.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Houston compares by contaminant
Explore where Houston ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Houston's water comes from
Houston's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
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 4,289 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Houston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOUSTON PWS | MO4010382 | 2,134 | GW |
| TEXAS COUNTY PWSD 2 | MO4024607 | 1,355 | GW |
| TEXAS COUNTY PWSD 3 | MO4024608 | 800 | GW |
How Houston compares
Full Missouri rankings →Houston's score of 73.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Houston, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Houston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Texas
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston, MO tap water safe to drink?
Houston's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #376 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Houston's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Houston'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 Houston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Houston's water come from?
Houston's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,289 residents.
What health violations has Houston's water system had?
Houston has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Houston's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Houston 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 57 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.
How does Houston's water compare to other cities?
Houston ranks #376 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 26% of state cities) and #10156 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.