Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT LEAD EXCEEDS LIMIT PFAS DETECTED

Lead Exceeds EPA Limit at Fort Worth Independent School District (TX)

33 ZIP codes · 21 water systems · 27,096,765 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Fort Worth Independent School District: 10 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-23

A · 87
Avg Safety Score
33
ZIP Codes
21
Water Systems
113
Violations (5yr)
0.0039 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
1
ZIPs Over Lead Limit
33
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 3
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Fort Worth Independent School District in Texas spans 33 ZIP codes served by 21 community water systems, providing water to approximately 27,096,765 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is A (87/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 64/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 87% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0039 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0335 mg/L 0.015 mg/L EXCEEDS
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 1 of 33 -
Lead action level exceeded in 1 area. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that water in schools contain no more than 1 ppb (0.001 mg/L) of lead - 15 times stricter than the EPA action level. Consider requesting lead testing at your child's school.

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 33 of 33 ZIP codes in this district. One or more PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.

Detected compounds: PFHxS, PFHxA, PFBA, PFOA, PFOS, PFPeA, PFBS, PFHpA, 6:2 FTS.

Highest measured level: 0.042 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

31 health-based violations recorded across 31 of 33 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 10 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 61 No 31
Contaminant 0800 Other 26 Yes 26
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 10 Yes 5
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 9 No 5
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 3 No 3
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 2 No 1
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 2 No 2

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
76008 Aledo C (64) 9 1 0.0335 mg/L Yes
76036 Crowley A (89) 8 1 0.0027 mg/L No
76012 Arlington B (84) 6 1 0.00102 mg/L No
76013 Arlington B (79) 6 1 0.00102 mg/L No
76016 Arlington B (84) 6 1 0.00102 mg/L No
76102 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76103 Fort Worth A (94) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76104 Fort Worth A (94) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76105 Fort Worth A (94) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76106 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76107 Fort Worth B (84) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76108 Fort Worth B (84) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76109 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76110 Fort Worth B (84) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76111 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76112 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76114 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76115 Fort Worth A (94) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76116 Fort Worth B (84) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76119 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76120 Fort Worth A (94) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76123 Fort Worth A (94) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76126 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76129 Fort Worth A (98) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76132 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76133 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76134 Fort Worth A (89) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76135 Fort Worth B (84) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76137 Fort Worth A (94) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76140 Fort Worth B (84) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76164 Fort Worth A (94) 3 1 0.0032 mg/L No
76117 Haltom City A (85) 0 0 0.002 mg/L No
76127 Naval Air Station/ Jrb C (66) 0 0 — —

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
City of Fort Worth 955,900 Surface water 76008, 76036, 76102 +27 more
City of Arlington 405,420 Surface water 76012, 76013, 76016, 76140
City of North Richland Hills 71,600 Surface water 76117
Johnson County Special Utility District 65,517 Surface water 76036
City of Burleson 53,381 Surface water 76036
City of Haltom City 46,260 Surface water 76111, 76117, 76137
Bethesda Water Supply Corporation 33,441 Surface water 76140
City of Weatherford 32,209 Surface water 76008

21 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: HIGH. 1 ZIP code in this district exceed the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 58.8% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 13.4% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 19.3% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0039 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.0335 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

2 health-based contaminants have triggered violations in this district: Contaminant 0800, Stage 2 DBP Rule.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 61 No 31
Contaminant 0800 Other 26 Yes 26
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 10 Yes 5
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 9 No 5
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 3 No 3
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 2 No 2
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 2 No 1

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 76008 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 76008 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 76008 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 76008 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 76008 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Fort Worth Independent School District Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Fort Worth Independent School District area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 31 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • 1 ZIP code have lead levels exceeding the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. Lead is especially dangerous for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 33 of 33 ZIP codes. Some PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.
  • 58.8% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 10 violations remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Fort Worth Independent School District school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 10 unresolved violations in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Consider a water filter for your home - NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) filters are certified to remove lead. This is especially important for infant formula preparation.
  4. Address PFAS - If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Fort Worth Independent School District schools?

Water systems serving Fort Worth Independent School District have recorded 31 health-based violations in the past 5 years, and 1 area exceeds the EPA lead action level. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Fort Worth Independent School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Fort Worth Independent School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 33 of 33 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Lead Exceeds EPA Limit at Fort Worth Independent School District (TX). https://zipcheckup.com/schools/fort-worth-independent-school-district-tx/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-fort-worth-independent-school-district-tx,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Lead Exceeds EPA Limit at Fort Worth Independent School District (TX)}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/fort-worth-independent-school-district-tx/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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