Cameron County Water Quality: 152 Violations (TX)
22 water systems · 23 ZIP codes · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-03
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified: 2026-06-03
Violation Trend
EPA violations across water systems in Cameron County.
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Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
Cameron County has 22 community water systems serving approximately 3,319,335 people across 23 ZIP codes. These systems have accumulated 152 EPA violations, including 29 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 19% of all violations in Cameron County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 29 | 19.1% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 123 | 80.9% |
| Total | 152 | 100% |
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels exceeding EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Monitoring violations indicate failures to test or report.
Cities with Most Violations
| Rank | City | Violations | Health-Based | ZIP Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harlingen | 60 | 4 | 4 | 687,131 |
| 2 | Rio Hondo | 32 | 12 | 1 | 29,349 |
| 3 | Brownsville | 20 | 0 | 5 | 1,117,678 |
| 4 | Santa Rosa | 12 | 3 | 1 | 297,771 |
| 5 | Combes | 10 | 3 | 1 | 113,551 |
| 6 | Los Fresnos | 8 | 4 | 1 | 88,857 |
| 7 | La Feria | 6 | 1 | 1 | 303,156 |
| 8 | Garciasville | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5,793 |
| 9 | Olmito | 1 | 1 | 1 | 252,900 |
Violation Trend
Year-by-year EPA violations across water systems in Cameron County:
| Year | Total | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 23 | 23 |
| 2022 | 43 | 43 |
| 2024 | 20 | 20 |
| 2025 | 36 | 36 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 40 | 15 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 16 | 7 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 16 | 2 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 14 | 7 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 6 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 8 | 4 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 8 | 3 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 5 | 5 | No |
| Copper | Inorganic | 4 | 4 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 1 | Yes |
Understanding Water Quality Scores
Each ZIP code in Cameron County receives a safety score from 0-100 based on EPA compliance data. Scores factor in the number and severity of violations, with health-based violations weighted more heavily than monitoring failures. Resolved violations (where the system returned to compliance) receive reduced weight in the scoring.
The county-level grade (B) represents the average across all 23 ZIP codes. Individual ZIP codes may vary significantly — a county with a B grade may contain both A-rated and D-rated areas.
Water Systems in Cameron County
Cameron County is served by 22 community water systems, averaging 1.0 systems per ZIP code. Each system is independently regulated and tested by the EPA. Larger systems serving more people typically have more extensive monitoring requirements.
Water systems in Cameron County source water from a mix of surface water (rivers, reservoirs) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be detected.
How to Check Your Water in Cameron County
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup for detailed water system data including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — every water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report
Get a home test — certified kits ($20-$50) or professional lab tests ($150-$400) can detect contaminants not covered by routine testing
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants found in your area
Check for lead — homes built before 1986 should test for lead regardless of utility compliance
EPA Enforcement
The EPA and state regulators have taken 184 enforcement actions against water systems in Cameron County. Enforcement actions range from compliance assistance and administrative orders to formal penalties. Systems under enforcement are required to remediate violations and may face ongoing monitoring requirements.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Cameron County, TX
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Cameron County
Water quality varies across Cameron County's 23 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | City | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78583 | Rio Hondo | B | 70 | 32 | 12 | View → |
| 78553 | Harlingen | A | 91 | 15 | 1 | View → |
| 78551 | Harlingen | A | 86 | 15 | 1 | View → |
| 78550 | Harlingen | B | 71 | 15 | 1 | View → |
| 78552 | Harlingen | B | 71 | 15 | 1 | View → |
| 78593 | Santa Rosa | B | 73 | 12 | 3 | View → |
| 78535 | Combes | B | 79 | 10 | 3 | View → |
| 78566 | Los Fresnos | C | 69 | 8 | 4 | View → |
| 78559 | La Feria | B | 79 | 6 | 1 | View → |
| 78522 | Brownsville | A | 92 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 78523 | Brownsville | A | 92 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 78526 | Brownsville | B | 82 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 78520 | Brownsville | B | 77 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 78521 | Brownsville | B | 77 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 78547 | Garciasville | A | 91 | 3 | 1 | View → |
| 78575 | Olmito | A | 89 | 1 | 1 | View → |
| 78578 | Port Isabel | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 78586 | San Benito | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 78568 | Lozano | B | 73 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 78567 | Los Indios | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View → |
What are EPA health violations?
Health-based violations mean a contaminant was detected above the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) — the legal limit designed to protect human health. Cameron County has 29 such violations. Not all violations cause illness, but repeated exceedances increase risk, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals.
What is a water quality grade?
ZipCheckup grades water systems from A to F based on EPA violation history, contaminant levels, and system compliance. Grade A means few or no violations; Grade F indicates persistent or serious issues. Cameron County's overall grade is B.
Not sure if your water needs a filter?
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Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in Cameron County, Texas?
Cameron County has 22 community water systems with 152 recorded EPA violations, including 29 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code — check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does Cameron County have?
Cameron County has 152 total EPA violations across 23 ZIP codes. 29 are health-based violations indicating contaminant levels potentially harmful to health.
Which city in Cameron County has the most water violations?
Harlingen has the most violations in Cameron County with 60 recorded EPA violations across 4 ZIP codes.
What contaminants are found in Cameron County water?
Cameron County water systems are monitored for over 90 EPA-regulated contaminants including lead, copper, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria. Check your ZIP code for contaminant-specific data.
How can I test my water in Cameron County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost testing. You can also use a certified home test kit ($20-$50) or hire a certified lab ($150-$400).