Exceeds EPA Limit Lead EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Lead in Odessa, TX Drinking Water

Lead data for Odessa, Texas · 139,068 residents · 9 ZIP codes

SDWIS federal records include Lead detections tied to water systems serving Odessa, Texas.

10.1 ppb
Max Level Detected
10.1 ppb
Average Level
15 ppb (action level)
EPA action level
126
EPA Violations
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Lead in Odessa Tap Water

Lead has been detected in Odessa, Texas drinking water at a maximum level of 10.1 ppb — below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level).

This analysis covers 139,068 residents across 9 ZIP codes in Odessa.

Odessa's overall water quality grade is D (53/100).

Is Lead in Odessa Water Safe?

Lead levels in parts of Odessa exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

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
79760 10.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
79761 10.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
79762 10.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
79763 10.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
79764 10.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
79765 10.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
79766 10.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
79768 10.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK
79769 10.1 ppb 15 ppb (action level) OK

Average lead level across Odessa: 10.1 ppb

EPA Violations for Lead in Odessa

Date Violation Type Status ZIP Code
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79760
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79760
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79761
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79761
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79762
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79762
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79763
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79763
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79764
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79764
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79765
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79765
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79766
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79766
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79768
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79768
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79769
2025-07-01 Lead (Known) Known 79769
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 79760
2025-04-01 Lead (Known) Known 79760
... 106 more violations

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 Odessa Water

  1. Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter at kitchen sink
  2. Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
  3. Use cold water only for cooking and preparing formula
  4. Consider whole-home reverse osmosis if lead service line is present

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for lead removal.

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