Water Quality in Killeen, TX: 88 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 87/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Killeen's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Available EPA records for Killeen, TX: 88 water compliance violations tied to local public water systems.
Water Quality Map: Killeen, TX
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Killeen
Water quality varies across Killeen's 8 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76541 | B | 79 | 11 | 3 | View report → |
| 76542 | B | 84 | 11 | 3 | View report → |
| 76543 | B | 84 | 11 | 3 | View report → |
| 76549 | B | 84 | 11 | 3 | View report → |
| 76540 | A | 92 | 11 | 3 | View report → |
| 76545 | A | 92 | 11 | 3 | View report → |
| 76546 | A | 92 | 11 | 3 | View report → |
| 76547 | A | 92 | 11 | 3 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Killeen.
Water Quality Overview
Killeen, Texas receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 87 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Killeen have accumulated 88 EPA violations, including 24 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 8 ZIP codes serving approximately 158,538 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Killeen's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Killeen water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 43% of homes built before 1986, Killeen 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 Killeen
Killeen is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 158,538 people across 8 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 80 enforcement actions against water systems serving Killeen. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Killeen
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 Killeen Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Killeen's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 32 | 8 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 32 | 8 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 24 | 8 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Killeen:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | 8 |
| 2024 | 16 | 16 |
Violations have increased from 8 in 2023 to 16 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Killeen. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-01-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-01-04 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-16.
Killeen vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Killeen's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Killeen | A | 88 | 4 | 158,538 |
| Round Rock | A | 6 | 5 | 158,491 |
| Waco | A | 153 | 5 | 163,409 |
| Pasadena | B | 72 | 3 | 153,662 |
Recommended Water Filters for Killeen
Based on contaminants detected in Killeen's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Trihalomethane (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Killeen
Water quality varies across Killeen's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76541 | 79 | B | 11 | 3 |
| 76542 | 84 | B | 11 | 3 |
| 76543 | 84 | B | 11 | 3 |
| 76549 | 84 | B | 11 | 3 |
| 76540 | 92 | A | 11 | 3 |
| 76545 | 92 | A | 11 | 3 |
| 76546 | 92 | A | 11 | 3 |
| 76547 | 92 | A | 11 | 3 |
Common Questions About Killeen Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Killeen, Texas:
Is Killeen water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Killeen's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Killeen tap water? Killeen's water receives a grade of A (87/100). There are 24 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Killeen? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Killeen vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Killeen 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 Killeen.
ZIP Codes in Killeen
Killeen spans 8 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 76540. 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.