Howe, TX Water Safety: 65/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 10 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compliance figures for Howe indicate average water quality in TX overall — some service areas have recorded health-based violations in recent monitoring cycles, while others operate cleanly, making system-level data the most actionable reference point for residents.
How Howe Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Howe Water
- Homes built before 1986: 42% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.11 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Howe
With 3 utilities splitting service in Howe, TX, water accountability is distributed across 10 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Howe, Texas (population ~6,620), covering 10 community water systems serving approximately 191,363 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Howe — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Howe: C (65/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Howe water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Howe
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75459 | C | CITY OF GUNTER | 2,772 |
All ZIP Codes in Howe
- 75459 [C]
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
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Howe
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Housing & Infrastructure in Howe
With 42% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
A median build year of 1997 in Howe is characteristic of a mixed-era city where plumbing risk depends heavily on the specific property. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered copper joints; those from before 1970 face the added possibility of lead service lines. The percentages above capture how much of the residential stock falls into each risk era.
Most homes in Howe 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Howe Homeowners
Equity impact data for Howe lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Howe are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 9% above the Texas average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Howe
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Howe have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 42% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Howe
The NFIP claim record for Howe — 13 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Howe has a moderate flood history with 13 FEMA claims averaging $7,002 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. 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. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,700</strong> remediation cost per household.
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.
What You Can Do in Howe
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 42% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Howe, TX