Is The Woodlands, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
37.5/100
waterverge.com The Woodlands, TX — Water Quality Report
The Woodlands's drinking water received a grade of F (37.5 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 22 water systems serve approximately 165,267 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 4 PFAS compounds in the water supply.
The system has 374 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 129 remain unresolved.
What to know about The Woodlands's water
The Woodlands ranks #1036 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.08 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 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is The Woodlands, TX water safe to drink?
The Woodlands's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (37.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 22 water systems serve approximately 165,267 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for The Woodlands
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into The Woodlands's water quality assessment. Grade: F (37.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for The Woodlands's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.
PFAS "forever chemicals" detected
UCMR 5 testing found 4 PFAS compounds in The Woodlands's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.
Violation history
The Woodlands's water system has 374 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 129 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 W Fk San Jacinto Rv At Fm 2854, Conroe, Alligator Ck At Tx 105, Conroe, Lake Ck At Sendera Ranch Rd Nr Conroe, W Fk San Jacinto Rv Nr Conroe, Stewarts Ck At Silverdale Dr Nr Conroe.
Where does The Woodlands's water come from?
The Woodlands's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 22 water systems serving approximately 165,267 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include W Fk San Jacinto Rv At Fm 2854, Conroe (river), Alligator Ck At Tx 105, Conroe (river), Lake Ck At Sendera Ranch Rd Nr Conroe (river), W Fk San Jacinto Rv Nr Conroe (river), Stewarts Ck At Silverdale Dr Nr Conroe (river).
What The Woodlands residents can do
Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in The Woodlands'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 Woodlands'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of The Woodlands
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near The Woodlands, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 670 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BAKER HUGHES - HUGHES CHRISTENSEN THE WOODLANDS, TX77380 | Copper | 645 | 2.6 mi |
HALLIBURTON DRILL BITS & SERVICES CONROE, TX77385 | Copper | 25 | 5.0 mi |
TUF-CRETE PLANT CONROE, TX77385 | Lead | 0 | 4.5 mi |
LAMBERTI USA CONROE PLANT 8910 CONROE, TX77302 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
CONROE GAS PROCESSING PLANT CONROE, TX77302 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Montgomery County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in The Woodlands's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.1 | 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. | 1.96 | 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. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not 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. | 49.900 | 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. | 0.015 | 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. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not 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. | 0.005 | 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. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not 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. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 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. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 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. | 0.006 | 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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.960 mg/L (1997)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how The Woodlands compares by contaminant
Explore where The Woodlands ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where The Woodlands's water comes from
The Woodlands'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 165,267 people through 22 water systems.
Water bodies near The Woodlands
The Woodlands 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 Woodlands
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 46 | TX1700348 | 24,399 | SWP |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 47 | TX1700458 | 24,171 | SWP |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 67 | TX1700554 | 16,821 | SWP |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 60 | TX1700470 | 15,036 | SWP |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 7 | TX1700169 | 12,528 | SWP |
| SPRING CREEK UTILITY DISTRICT | TX1700133 | 11,733 | GW |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 6 | TX1700090 | 8,610 | SWP |
| THE WOODLANDS MUD 1 | TX1700471 | 7,989 | SWP |
| HARRIS COUNTY MUD 238 | TX1012361 | 7,773 | SWP |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 36 | TX1700139 | 5,235 | SWP |
| REID ROAD MUD 2 | TX1011928 | 4,662 | GW |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 39 | TX1700332 | 4,284 | SWP |
| WEST MEMORIAL MUD | TX1010540 | 4,182 | GW |
| HARRIS COUNTY MUD 304 | TX1012941 | 4,158 | SWP |
| HARRIS COUNTY MUD 361 | TX1013123 | 3,705 | GWP |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY WCID 1 | TX1700119 | 3,396 | GW |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 88 | TX1700776 | 3,276 | GW |
| THE WOODLANDS METRO CENTER MUD | TX1700309 | 1,725 | SWP |
| WHITE OAK WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION | TX1700616 | 900 | GW |
| RESIDENCE RV PARK | TX1700999 | 466 | GW |
| SJOLANDER ROAD MOBILE HOME PARK | TX1010788 | 146 | GW |
| BOYD ACRES WATER SYSTEM | TX0610051 | 72 | GW |
How The Woodlands compares
Full Texas rankings →The Woodlands's score of 37.5/100 is below the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About The Woodlands, TX
Wikipedia →The Woodlands is a special-purpose district and census-designated place in the U.S. state of Texas. The Woodlands is primarily located in Montgomery County, with portions extending into Harris County, within the Greater Houston metropolitan area. The population was 114,436 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to The Woodlands's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montgomery
Frequently asked questions
Is The Woodlands, TX tap water safe to drink?
The Woodlands's water quality earned a grade of F (37.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #1036 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in The Woodlands's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 4 PFAS compounds were detected. 374 violations are on record.
How is The Woodlands'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 Woodlands?
PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.
Where does The Woodlands's water come from?
The Woodlands's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 22 water systems serving approximately 165,267 residents.
What health violations has The Woodlands's water system had?
The Woodlands has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 129 violations remain unresolved.
Why does The Woodlands have so many PFAS compounds in its water?
4 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in The Woodlands'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. While detected, current levels are within EPA limits. An activated carbon filter can further reduce exposure.
How does The Woodlands's water compare to other cities?
The Woodlands ranks #1036 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 3% of state cities) and #15400 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.