Is The Hills, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 31 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.7/100
waterverge.com The Hills, TX — Water Quality Report
The Hills's drinking water received a grade of B (76.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,937 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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 71 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 31 remain unresolved.
What to know about The Hills's water
The Hills ranks #449 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
As a small community water system, The Hills may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is The Hills, TX water safe to drink?
The Hills's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,937 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for The Hills
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into The Hills's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4879). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for The Hills's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
The Hills's water system has 71 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 31 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Travis County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Lcra Lk Travis Nr Austin, Barton Ck At Sh 71 Nr Oak Hill, Barton Ck At Lost Ck Blvd Nr Austin, Slaughter Ck At Fm 1826 Nr Austin, Williamson Ck At Brush Cntry Blvd, Oak Hill.
Where does The Hills's water come from?
The Hills's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,937 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lcra Lk Travis Nr Austin (lake), Barton Ck At Sh 71 Nr Oak Hill (river), Barton Ck At Lost Ck Blvd Nr Austin (river), Slaughter Ck At Fm 1826 Nr Austin (river), Williamson Ck At Brush Cntry Blvd, Oak Hill (river).
What The Hills residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in The Hills'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.
The Hills'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtTravis County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Travis County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how The Hills compares by contaminant
Explore where The Hills ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where The Hills's water comes from
The Hills'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 2,937 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near The Hills
The Hills is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving The Hills
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HURST CREEK MUD | TX2270172 | 2,880 | SW |
| HIGHWAY 71 STORAGE & MHP | TX2270186 | 57 | GW |
How The Hills compares
Full Texas rankings →The Hills's score of 76.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About The Hills, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to The Hills's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Travis
Frequently asked questions
Is The Hills, TX tap water safe to drink?
The Hills's water quality earned a grade of B (76.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #449 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in The Hills's water?
Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 71 violations are on record.
How is The Hills'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 The Hills?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does The Hills's water come from?
The Hills's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,937 residents.
What health violations has The Hills's water system had?
The Hills has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 31 violations remain unresolved.
How does The Hills's water compare to other cities?
The Hills ranks #449 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 58% of state cities) and #9219 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.