Lead in Houston, TX Drinking Water
Lead data for Houston, Texas · 3,206,570 residents · 97 ZIP codes
ZipCheckup's reading of Lead in Houston, Texas: the highest detected level is 43.8 ppb; the EPA limit is 15 ppb (action level). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.
In Houston, Texas, Lead has been detected in the public water supply - a contaminant that health agencies track because of documented effects associated with prolonged exposure at elevated concentrations.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO
Lead in Houston Tap Water
Lead has been detected in Houston, Texas drinking water at a normalized maximum level of 43.8 ppb - 2.92x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 3,206,570 residents across 97 ZIP codes in Houston.
Is Lead in Houston Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
Lead Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77070 | 43.8 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 77044 | 10.3 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77049 | 8.9 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77068 | 8.5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77090 | 8.5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77095 | 8.4 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77039 | 5.5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77093 | 5.5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77002 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77003 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77004 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77005 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77006 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77007 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77008 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77009 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77010 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77011 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77012 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77013 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77014 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77015 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77016 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77017 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| 77018 | 5 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | OK |
| ...72 more ZIP codes |
Average lead level across Houston: 5.61 ppb
Health Effects of Lead
- Brain development delays and reduced IQ in children
- Behavioral problems and learning disabilities
- High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
- Increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR/LCRI).
How Lead Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of lead service lines (pipes connecting water main to home)
- Lead solder in copper plumbing joints (pre-1986 homes)
- Brass fixtures and faucets manufactured before 2014
- Stagnant water that sits in lead-containing pipes overnight
What to Do About Lead in Houston Water
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter at kitchen sink
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
- Use cold water only for cooking and preparing formula
- Consider whole-home reverse osmosis if lead service line is present
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for lead removal.