Pharr, TX Water Safety: 80/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to statewide averages in TX, Pharr scores well — health violations are below the norm and systems generally operate within federal standards.
How Pharr Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Pharr Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0011 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 26% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.24 — above typical levels.
Pharr's Water Providers
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Pharr, TX's residential water connections out of 4 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Pharr, Texas (population ~79,903), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 277,908 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Pharr — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pharr: B (80/100)
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
Pharr water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0011 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78577 | B | City of Pharr | 79,715 |
All ZIP Codes in Pharr
- 78577 [B]
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.
Pharr Community Health Snapshot
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
Pharr 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
Although a small portion of Pharr's homes predate 1986, the median build year of 2009 indicates the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed after lead solder was banned — which tends to reduce the plumbing-related component of lead exposure at the household level.
Most homes in Pharr 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Pharr
Because estimated remediation claims a substantial fraction of typical Pharr property equity, the household financial perspective here requires serious advance planning — the cost-to-value ratio is in the elevated tier and warrants structured preparation.
At 2.1% of home value, remediation costs in Pharr represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,500–$3,300. Home values here are 51% below the Texas average.
Pharr: 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.
Whenever aggregate samples pass the federal action benchmark and pre-rule housing — 26% in Pharr — represents a smaller fraction, lead occupies a lower priority on the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Pharr: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Pharr has accumulated 253 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Pharr has a moderate flood history with 253 FEMA claims averaging $27,779 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>$2,300</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Pharr, TX