Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

EPA files for Lubbock, TX document 1458 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.

Water Quality Map: Lubbock, TX

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lubbock

Water quality varies across Lubbock's 27 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
79410	D	48	54	13	View report →
79412	D	48	54	13	View report →
79423	D	48	54	13	View report →
79402	D	50	54	13	View report →
79405	D	50	54	13	View report →
79406	D	50	54	13	View report →
79409	D	50	54	13	View report →
79430	D	50	54	13	View report →
79452	D	50	54	13	View report →
79453	D	50	54	13	View report →
79457	D	50	54	13	View report →
79464	D	50	54	13	View report →
79491	D	50	54	13	View report →
79493	D	50	54	13	View report →
79499	D	50	54	13	View report →

Violation Trend

EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Lubbock.

2024

2025

Total violations Health-based

Water Quality Overview

Lubbock, Texas receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 52 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

The 5 water systems serving Lubbock have accumulated 1458 EPA violations, including 351 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 27 ZIP codes serving approximately 276,286 people.

What Grade D Means

A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Lubbock's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.

Lead Levels

The average 90th percentile lead level across Lubbock water systems is 0.0014 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.

With 62% of homes built before 1986, Lubbock 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.

Radon Risk

Lubbock is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.

Water Systems Serving Lubbock

Lubbock is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 276,286 people across 27 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 270 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lubbock. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.

How to Check Your Water in Lubbock

1. Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores

2. Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants

3. 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

4. Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics

5. Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts

Contaminants Detected in Lubbock Water Systems

The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Lubbock's water systems:

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 Lubbock:

Violations have increased from 135 in 2024 to 270 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.

EPA Enforcement History

The EPA and state regulators have taken 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lubbock. Recent actions:

Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-05.

Lubbock vs. Nearby Texas Cities

How Lubbock's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:

Recommended Water Filters for Lubbock

Based on contaminants detected in Lubbock's water supply, these filter types are recommended:

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)

• Removes: Chlorine
• Effectiveness: 95-99%
• Cost range: $100–$600
• Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
• Recommended products:
  • Aquasana AQ-5200
  • Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
  • Berkey Travel

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lubbock

Water quality varies across Lubbock's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:

Common Questions About Lubbock Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Lubbock, Texas:

Is Lubbock water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Lubbock's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Lubbock tap water? Lubbock's water receives a grade of D (52/100). There are 351 health-based violations — consider filtration.

What is the best water filter for Lubbock? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house or under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Lubbock vs. Texas Average

Understanding how Lubbock 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 Lubbock.

ZIP Codes in Lubbock

Lubbock spans 27 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 79401. 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.