Water Quality in Odessa, TX: 207 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 53/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Odessa's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Odessa, TX has 207 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality Map: Odessa, TX
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Odessa
Water quality varies across Odessa's 9 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79762 | D | 47 | 23 | 16 | View report → |
| 79768 | D | 49 | 23 | 16 | View report → |
| 79769 | D | 49 | 23 | 16 | View report → |
| 79761 | D | 52 | 23 | 16 | View report → |
| 79763 | D | 52 | 23 | 16 | View report → |
| 79760 | C | 57 | 23 | 16 | View report → |
| 79764 | C | 57 | 23 | 16 | View report → |
| 79765 | C | 57 | 23 | 16 | View report → |
| 79766 | C | 57 | 23 | 16 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Odessa.
Water Quality Overview
Odessa, Texas receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 53 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Odessa have accumulated 207 EPA violations, including 144 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 9 ZIP codes serving approximately 139,068 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Odessa'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 Odessa water systems is 0.0101 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 49% of homes built before 1986, Odessa 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 Odessa
Odessa is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 139,068 people across 9 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 90 enforcement actions against water systems serving Odessa. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Odessa
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 Odessa Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Odessa's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 153 | 9 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 18 | 9 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 18 | 9 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 9 | 9 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 9 | 9 | 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 Odessa:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 81 | 81 |
| 2025 | 54 | 54 |
Violations have decreased from 81 in 2024 to 54 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Odessa. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-20 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-12.
Odessa vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Odessa's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odessa | D | 207 | 5 | 139,068 |
| Abilene | A | 170 | 5 | 137,705 |
| San Marcos | B | 2 | 5 | 137,288 |
| Lewisville | A | 36 | 3 | 140,905 |
Recommended Water Filters for Odessa
Based on contaminants detected in Odessa'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:
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 Odessa
Water quality varies across Odessa's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79762 | 47 | D | 23 | 16 |
| 79768 | 49 | D | 23 | 16 |
| 79769 | 49 | D | 23 | 16 |
| 79761 | 52 | D | 23 | 16 |
| 79763 | 52 | D | 23 | 16 |
| 79760 | 57 | C | 23 | 16 |
| 79764 | 57 | C | 23 | 16 |
| 79765 | 57 | C | 23 | 16 |
| 79766 | 57 | C | 23 | 16 |
Common Questions About Odessa Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Odessa, Texas:
Is Odessa water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Odessa's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Odessa tap water? Odessa's water receives a grade of D (53/100). There are 144 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Odessa? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Odessa vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Odessa 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 Odessa.
ZIP Codes in Odessa
Odessa spans 9 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 79760. 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.