ZipCheckup grade for 78550: C.
A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.
Your top priority: match a filter's certification to the violations (15 health-based violations). Check your ZIP → NSF certified filters
Harlingen, TX (78550): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 58/100
EPA data combined for 6 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: Harlingen Water Works System)
Health-based violation records by water system:
- City of Rio Hondo (12)
- City of Combes (3)
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 78550 in Harlingen, TX contain 55 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 15 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 15 health-based violations and 40 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 1,807 cumulative NFIP claim records. This historical count is not a current property-risk verdict.
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The dataset for Harlingen (78550) flags 2 critical-tier issues and 0 at high priority.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 58/100
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 78550 in Harlingen, Texas is mapped to the water system Harlingen Water Works System (EPA ID: TX0310002). This system provides water to approximately 85,900 people from surface water sources.
There are 6 community water systems serving this area.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harlingen Water Works System | TX0310002 | 85,900 | Surface water |
| East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation | TX0310096 | 24,756 | Surface water |
| City of Combes | TX0310021 | 2,895 | Surface water |
| City of Rio Hondo | TX0310006 | 2,640 | Surface water |
| City of San Benito | TX0310007 | 24,250 | 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
- 78553 (Harlingen) - <1 mi
- 78552 (Harlingen) - 4 mi - 59 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 78551 (Harlingen) - 4 mi
- 78535 (Combes) - 5 mi - 14 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 78586 (San Benito) - 5 mi - 44 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 78559 (La Feria) - 9 mi - 44 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 78583 (Rio Hondo) - 9 mi - 35 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 78568 (Lozano) - 9 mi
- 78593 (Santa Rosa) - 9 mi - 37 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 78567 (Los Indios) - 11 mi - 7 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Harlingen Water Works System (TX0310002) 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 78550. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFBS, PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFHpA.
Highest measured level: 0.0148 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 Harlingen
Based on local data for ZIP 78550, 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 Harlingen has 1,807 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 78550 was built around 1986. 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 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 78550 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 55 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 78550 (primary system: Harlingen Water Works System), including 15 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 78550's water come from?
The recorded water source for Harlingen Water Works System, a system mapped to ZIP code 78550, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 85,900 people.
How does Harlingen water compare to the national average?
Harlingen's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 85% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 100% of ZIP codes within Texas.
How can I get my water tested in Harlingen?
If Harlingen Water Works System 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 78550?
78550 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 78550's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 78550. 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 78550?
FEMA records contain 1807 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 78550; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is X, 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). Harlingen, TX (78550): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 58/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/78550/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-78550,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Harlingen, TX (78550): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 58/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/78550/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 78550
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78553 | Harlingen, TX | <1 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 78552 | Harlingen, TX | 3.7 mi | C | 59 |
| 78551 | Harlingen, TX | 3.9 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 78535 | Combes, TX | 4.8 mi | N/A | 14 |
| 78586 | San Benito, TX | 5.1 mi | C | 44 |
| 78559 | La Feria, TX | 8.7 mi | C | 44 |
| 78583 | Rio Hondo, TX | 8.9 mi | C | 35 |
| 78568 | Lozano, TX | 9.1 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 78593 | Santa Rosa, TX | 9.4 mi | N/A | 37 |
| 78567 | Los Indios, TX | 10.7 mi | N/A | 7 |
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