ZipCheckup grade for 78520: B.
This ZIP has a few items worth a quick check.
Your top priority: match a filter's certification to the violations (7 health-based violations). Check your ZIP → NSF certified filters
Brownsville, TX (78520): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 71/100
EPA data combined for 4 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: Brownsville Public Utilities Board)
Health-based violation records by water system:
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 78520 in Brownsville, TX contain 8 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 7 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 7 health-based violations and 1 non-health-based (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result is below the laboratory reporting limit, not a measured zero; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS At least one PFAS result is above an EPA MCL value (UCMR5 sampling; MCL compliance required from 2029).
- Radon EPA Zone 3 - county-level radon potential, not evidence of a low home result.
- Flood 342 cumulative NFIP claim records. This historical count is not a current property-risk verdict.
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The top classification in Brownsville (78520) safety data is critical - only one condition reaches that level, with no high-priority findings documented below it.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 71/100
This is the published model score. Component and domain values are shown independently; they are not added together on this page.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 4 of 4 components and 3 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (8) CRITICAL
Your Water System
ZIP code 78520 in Brownsville, Texas is mapped to the water system Brownsville Public Utilities Board (EPA ID: TX0310001). This system provides water to approximately 201,249 people from surface water sources.
There are 4 community water systems serving this area.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brownsville Public Utilities Board | TX0310001 | 201,249 | Surface water |
| Military Hwy Water Supply Corporation Las Rusias | TX1080067 | 17,943 | Surface water |
| Olmito Water Supply Corporation | TX0310026 | 8,952 | Surface water |
| Valley Municipal Utility District 2 Rancho Viejo | TX0310059 | 3,644 | Surface water |
Other Water Quality Reports in Texas
- 73301 (Austin)
- 73344 (Austin)
- 73960 (Texhoma)
- 75001 (Addison) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 75002 (Allen) - 14 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 75006 (Carrollton) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 75007 (Carrollton) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 75009 (Celina) - 18 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 75010 (Carrollton) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 75011 (Carrollton)
- 75013 (Allen)
- 75014 (Irving)
- 75015 (Irving)
- 75016 (Irving)
- 75017 (Irving)
- 75019 (Coppell) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 75020 (Denison) - 38 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 75021 (Denison) - 30 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 75022 (Flower Mound) - 18 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 75023 (Plano)
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 78522 (Brownsville) - 3 mi
- 78523 (Brownsville) - 3 mi
- 78521 (Brownsville) - 4 mi
- 78526 (Brownsville) - 4 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 78575 (Olmito) - 7 mi - 8 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 78566 (Los Fresnos) - 14 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 78578 (Port Isabel) - 15 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 78586 (San Benito) - 16 mi - 44 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 78567 (Los Indios) - 16 mi - 7 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 78568 (Lozano) - 18 mi
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Brownsville Public Utilities Board (TX0310001) on EPA.gov.
5 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
Compliance History
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 78520. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: PFBA, PFOS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFOA, PFHxS, PFHpA.
Highest measured level: 0.0106 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) HIGH
Home & Infrastructure (6) OK
Cost & Community (9) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Brownsville
Based on local data for ZIP 78520, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Brownsville has 342 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Gutter Installation & Repair
The median home in 78520 was built around 1981. Aging gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and mold - a professional assessment can prevent costly repairs.
Typical cost: Gutter installation: typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard home
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsWindow Replacement
The median build year of homes in Brownsville is 1981; check the age and condition of your own windows. ENERGY STAR windows can save $101–$583/year on energy bills.
Typical cost: Window replacement: typically $300–$800 per window installed
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsRoofing Inspection & Repair
Active weather alerts in Texas increase the risk of roof damage from hail and high winds. A professional inspection can identify vulnerabilities.
Typical cost: Roof inspection: typically $75–$300; repairs $300–$1,500
Estimate Your Home Insurance NeedsService recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 78520 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 8 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 78520 (primary system: Brownsville Public Utilities Board), including 7 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 78520's water come from?
The recorded water source for Brownsville Public Utilities Board, a system mapped to ZIP code 78520, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 201,249 people.
How does Brownsville water compare to the national average?
Brownsville's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 54% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 91% of ZIP codes within Texas.
How can I get my water tested in Brownsville?
If Brownsville Public Utilities Board supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
What is the radon risk for 78520?
78520 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 3 (low county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Cameron County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 78520's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 78520. One or more PFAS results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 78520?
FEMA records contain 342 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 78520; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is C, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. This is a substantial claim history, but claim count is not a count of distinct events or properties. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Brownsville, TX (78520): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 71/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/78520/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-78520,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Brownsville, TX (78520): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 71/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/78520/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 78520
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78522 | Brownsville, TX | 2.5 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 78523 | Brownsville, TX | 3.3 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 78521 | Brownsville, TX | 3.6 mi | B | 0 |
| 78526 | Brownsville, TX | 4.0 mi | B | 1 |
| 78575 | Olmito, TX | 7.3 mi | B | 8 |
| 78566 | Los Fresnos, TX | 14.2 mi | B | 3 |
| 78578 | Port Isabel, TX | 15.2 mi | B | 1 |
| 78586 | San Benito, TX | 15.9 mi | C | 44 |
| 78567 | Los Indios, TX | 16.2 mi | N/A | 7 |
| 78568 | Lozano, TX | 17.8 mi | N/A | 0 |
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