Water Quality in Richardson, TX: 95 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 67/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Richardson's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Water systems in Richardson, TX have accumulated 95 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality Map: Richardson, TX
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Richardson
Water quality varies across Richardson's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75080 | C | 65 | 19 | 9 | View report → |
| 75083 | C | 66 | 19 | 9 | View report → |
| 75085 | C | 66 | 19 | 9 | View report → |
| 75081 | B | 70 | 19 | 9 | View report → |
| 75082 | B | 70 | 19 | 9 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Richardson.
Water Quality Overview
Richardson, Texas receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 67 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Richardson have accumulated 95 EPA violations, including 45 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 122,690 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Richardson's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Richardson water systems is 0.0024 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 49% of homes built before 1986, Richardson 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 Richardson
Richardson is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 122,690 people across 5 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 50 enforcement actions against water systems serving Richardson. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Richardson
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 Richardson Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Richardson's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/L | 40 | 5 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 30 | 5 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 15 | 5 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 5 | Yes |
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 Richardson:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 25 | 25 |
| 2023 | 40 | 40 |
| 2024 | 10 | 10 |
Violations have decreased from 25 in 2022 to 10 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Richardson. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-06 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-04-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-27.
Richardson vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Richardson's water quality compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richardson | C | 95 | 2 | 122,690 |
| New Braunfels | A | 16 | 5 | 122,174 |
| Penwell | C | 0 | 1 | 123,334 |
| Conroe | B | 0 | 5 | 123,884 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Richardson
Water quality varies across Richardson's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75080 | 65 | C | 19 | 9 |
| 75083 | 66 | C | 19 | 9 |
| 75085 | 66 | C | 19 | 9 |
| 75081 | 70 | B | 19 | 9 |
| 75082 | 70 | B | 19 | 9 |
Common Questions About Richardson Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Richardson, Texas:
Is Richardson water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Richardson's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Richardson tap water? Richardson's water receives a grade of C (67/100). There are 45 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Richardson? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Richardson vs. Texas Average
Understanding how Richardson 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 Richardson.
ZIP Codes in Richardson
Richardson spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 75080. 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.