Water Quality in Corpus Christi, TX: 37 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 90/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Corpus Christi's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for Corpus Christi, TX holds 37 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality Map: Corpus Christi, TX
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Corpus Christi
Water quality varies across Corpus Christi's 37 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78418 | B | 74 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78402 | B | 79 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78410 | B | 79 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78411 | B | 79 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78412 | B | 79 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78413 | B | 79 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78401 | B | 84 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78404 | B | 84 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78408 | B | 84 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78409 | B | 84 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78414 | B | 84 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78415 | B | 84 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78416 | B | 84 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78417 | B | 84 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 78403 | A | 89 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Corpus Christi, Texas receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 90 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Corpus Christi have accumulated 37 EPA violations, including 37 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 37 ZIP codes serving approximately 325,435 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Corpus Christi's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Corpus Christi water systems is 0.0017 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 63% of homes built before 1986, Corpus Christi has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 325,435 people across 37 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 148 enforcement actions against water systems serving Corpus Christi. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Corpus Christi
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Corpus Christi Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Corpus Christi's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 37 | 37 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Corpus Christi. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-05-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-04-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-03-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-02-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-05-17.
Corpus Christi vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Corpus Christi's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corpus Christi | A | 37 | 2 | 325,435 |
| Chapman Ranch | B | 0 | 1 | 318,387 |
| Plano | A | 9 | 2 | 292,155 |
| Lubbock | D | 1458 | 5 | 276,286 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Corpus Christi
Water quality varies across Corpus Christi's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78418 | 74 | B | 1 | 1 |
| 78402 | 79 | B | 1 | 1 |
| 78410 | 79 | B | 1 | 1 |
| 78411 | 79 | B | 1 | 1 |
| 78412 | 79 | B | 1 | 1 |
| 78413 | 79 | B | 1 | 1 |
| 78401 | 84 | B | 1 | 1 |
| 78404 | 84 | B | 1 | 1 |
| 78408 | 84 | B | 1 | 1 |
| 78409 | 84 | B | 1 | 1 |
| 78477 | 98 | A | 1 | 1 |
| 78476 | 98 | A | 1 | 1 |
| 78475 | 98 | A | 1 | 1 |
| 78472 | 98 | A | 1 | 1 |
| 78471 | 98 | A | 1 | 1 |
Water quality scores in Corpus Christi range from 74 to 98 — a spread of 24 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Corpus Christi Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Corpus Christi, Texas:
Is Corpus Christi water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Corpus Christi's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Corpus Christi tap water? Corpus Christi's water receives a grade of A (90/100). There are 37 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Corpus Christi? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Corpus Christi vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Corpus Christi compares to the broader Texas average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Corpus Christi.
ZIP Codes in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi spans 37 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 78401. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.