Water Quality in Port Neches, TX: 2 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Port Neches's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for Port Neches, TX show 2 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Port Neches
Water quality varies across Port Neches's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77651 | D | 54 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Port Neches, Texas receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Port Neches have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 14,994 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Port Neches'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 Port Neches water systems is 0.0167 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 70% of homes built before 1986, Port Neches 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 Port Neches
Port Neches is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 14,994 people across 1 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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Port Neches. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Port Neches
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 Port Neches Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Port Neches's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Port Neches. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-08-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-08-03 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-08-10.
Port Neches vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Port Neches's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Neches | D | 2 | 1 | 14,994 |
| Crosby | B | 1 | 5 | 14,931 |
| Port Aransas | C | 4 | 1 | 14,880 |
| La Marque | B | 2 | 1 | 15,154 |
Common Questions About Port Neches Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Port Neches, Texas:
Is Port Neches water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Port Neches's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Port Neches tap water? Port Neches's water receives a grade of D (54/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Port Neches? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Port Neches vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Port Neches 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 Port Neches.
ZIP Codes in Port Neches
Port Neches spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 77651. 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.