Houston, TX: 190 Health Violations - 87/100 (2026)
190 ZIP codes · 25 water systems · Updated 2026-07-19
ZipCheckup grade for Houston: A.
No federal data flags a major home-safety concern for this ZIP.
Based on current monitoring, Houston holds an above-average drinking water safety record for TX - violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS Last verified: 2026-07-19
Key Facts for Houston Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 190 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.004 mg/L.
Water Quality in Houston
We track water quality and home safety data for 190 ZIP codes in Houston, Texas, covering 25 community water systems serving approximately 3,206,570 people.
190 of 190 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations - 190 total, including 190 health-based violations.
Average Home Safety Score: A (87/100)
Water sources: Groundwater, Surface water.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 190 | 190 |
Lead Risk
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0040 mg/L
- 56% of housing built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned)
- 8% of housing built before 1950 (when lead pipes were standard)
- Median year built: 1982
- Most common estimated pipe material: Copper
- Lead exposure risk score: 46/100
- Estimated lead service line probability: 19%
- 60 ZIP codes classified as high or very high lead risk
With 56% of homes built before the 1986 lead solder ban, Houston residents - especially those in older neighborhoods - should consider testing their tap water for lead. Homes built before 1950 are at the highest risk of having lead service lines.
Housing Age Distribution
1,308,725 total housing units across 190 ZIP codes:
| Era | Units | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1940 | 44,266 | 3% |
| 1940–1949 | 43,693 | 3% |
| 1950–1959 | 105,971 | 8% |
| 1960–1969 | 144,742 | 11% |
| 1970–1979 | 248,464 | 19% |
| 1980–1989 | 211,864 | 16% |
| 1990–1999 | 151,469 | 12% |
| 2000–2009 | 202,405 | 15% |
| 2010–2019 | 148,650 | 11% |
| 2020+ | 7,201 | 1% |
Flood Risk
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program data for Houston:
- 119,477 flood insurance claims on record
- $5,963,192,590 total paid out
- $49,911 average claim payout
- Dominant FEMA flood zone: X (Low risk)
- 52 of 190 ZIP codes in high-risk flood zones (A/V)
Radon Risk
Dominant EPA radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 190 ZIP codes
Neighborhoods by Safety Score
Safest Areas
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77097 | 98/100 | A | 1 |
| 77201 | 98/100 | A | 1 |
| 77202 | 98/100 | A | 1 |
| 77203 | 98/100 | A | 1 |
| 77204 | 98/100 | A | 1 |
| 77209 | 98/100 | A | 1 |
| 77212 | 98/100 | A | 1 |
| 77215 | 98/100 | A | 1 |
| 77216 | 98/100 | A | 1 |
| 77217 | 98/100 | A | 1 |
Areas Needing Attention
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77099 | 74/100 | B | 1 |
| 77096 | 74/100 | B | 1 |
| 77093 | 74/100 | B | 1 |
| 77090 | 74/100 | B | 1 |
| 77089 | 74/100 | B | 1 |
| 77088 | 74/100 | B | 1 |
| 77087 | 74/100 | B | 1 |
| 77084 | 74/100 | B | 1 |
| 77082 | 74/100 | B | 1 |
| 77080 | 74/100 | B | 1 |
What Houston Residents Can Do
Test Your Water
- Order a certified lab test - home test kits cost $20–50 and cover lead, bacteria, and common contaminants
- Request your utility's CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) - your water provider must publish this annually
- Check your ZIP code - each area in Houston has different water systems and risk levels
Filter Your Water
- NSF-certified pitcher filter removes chlorine taste and some contaminants ($20–40)
- NSF 53-certified filter for lead - recommended for homes built before 1986
- Reverse osmosis system removes 95%+ of contaminants including lead, PFAS, and nitrates ($150–400)
Stay Informed
- Visit your ZIP code report for detailed, address-level data
- Sign up for EPA water quality alerts
- Review the annual water quality report from your local utility
All ZIP Codes in Houston
- 77001 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77002 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77003 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77004 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77005 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77006 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77007 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77008 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77009 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77010 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77011 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77012 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77013 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77014 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77015 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77016 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77017 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77018 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77019 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77020 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77021 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77022 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77023 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77024 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77025 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77026 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77027 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77028 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77029 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77030 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77031 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77032 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77033 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77034 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77035 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77036 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77037 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77038 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77039 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77040 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77041 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77042 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77043 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77044 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77045 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77046 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77047 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77048 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77049 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77050 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77051 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77052 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77053 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77054 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77055 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77056 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77057 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77058 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77059 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77060 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77061 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77062 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77063 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77064 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77065 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77066 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77067 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77068 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77069 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77070 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77071 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77072 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77073 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77074 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77075 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77076 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77077 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77078 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77079 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77080 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77081 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77082 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77083 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77084 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77085 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77086 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77087 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77088 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77089 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77090 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77091 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77092 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77093 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77094 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77095 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77096 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77097 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77098 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77099 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77201 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77202 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77203 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77204 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77205 [B] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77206 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77207 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77208 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77209 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77210 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77212 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77213 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77215 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77216 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77217 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77218 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77219 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77220 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77221 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77222 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77223 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77224 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77225 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77226 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77227 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77228 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77229 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77230 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77231 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77233 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77234 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77235 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77236 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77237 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77238 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77240 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77241 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77242 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77243 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77244 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77245 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77246 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77247 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77248 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77249 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77250 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77251 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77252 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77253 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77254 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77255 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77256 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77257 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77258 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77259 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77260 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77261 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77262 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77263 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77265 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77266 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77267 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77268 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77269 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77270 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77271 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77272 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77273 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77274 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77275 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77276 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77277 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77278 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77279 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77280 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77282 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77284 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77285 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77286 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77287 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77288 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77289 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77290 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77291 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77292 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77293 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77294 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77296 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77297 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77298 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
- 77299 [A] - 1 violation ⚠
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe to drink in Houston, TX?
Houston has an average Home Safety Score of 87/100 (grade A) across 190 ZIP codes. There are 190 recorded EPA violations, 190 of which are health-based. Safety varies by neighborhood - check your specific ZIP code report for details.
Does Houston have lead in the water?
The average 90th-percentile lead level across Houston is 0.0040 mg/L, below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. No ZIP codes currently exceed the EPA lead action level. About 56% of housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned.
Is Houston at risk for flooding?
FEMA data shows 119,477 flood insurance claims in Houston ZIP codes, with an average payout of $49,911. 52 of 190 ZIP codes are in high-risk FEMA flood zones (A or V).
Are there lead pipes in Houston homes?
56% of Houston housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was common in plumbing. 8% was built before 1950, when lead pipes were standard. The most common estimated pipe material is Copper. The estimated probability of lead service lines is 19%. We recommend testing your water if your home was built before 1986.
What contaminants have been found in Houston water?
The most common contaminants by violation count are Fecal Coliform. Across 190 ZIP codes, 190 have recorded EPA violations. Check your ZIP code report for the specific contaminants in your area.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
- Flood data: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
- Lead exposure: Composite risk score based on housing age, water lead levels, and service line estimates
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Houston Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Why does housing age matter for water safety? Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered copper plumbing joints - a practice banned that year. Houston's median build year of 1982 places much of the city's housing in the post-ban era, reducing that specific risk pathway for most residents.
Most homes in Houston were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Houston: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Houston appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Houston: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
FEMA data shows 0% of Houston's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 119477 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Houston has a moderate flood history with 119,477 FEMA claims. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones - over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Houston, TX