Rice University
EPA ID: TX1010908 · 8,415 people served · 2 ZIP codes
ZipCheckup's reading of EPA SDWIS for Rice University (TX1010908): 4 past health-based violations, since resolved. On record: Rice University, 9 violations, all resolved, 8,415 in service area.
Data: EPA SDWIS
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Rice University Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary
Service Area Demographics
The Rice University serves a community with a median household income of $147,562 and an estimated 41,207 residents across its service area.
Environmental Justice Note: 51% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.
🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Rice University's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.
Wastewater Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 60th percentile nationally for proximity to wastewater discharge points. Surface water sources near wastewater outfalls may face additional treatment challenges.
Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 70th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Rice University compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Stage 1 DBP Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Stage 2 DBP Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Surface Water Treatment Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Lead and Copper Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
PFAS Detected in Service Area
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 11 detections recorded. 1 exceeds federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).
Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in Texas
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
Rice University (EPA ID: TX1010908) is a community water system in Texas that serves approximately 8,415 people from surface water sources.
This system provides water to 2 ZIP codes across 1 community.
Violation History
Status breakdown for accepted records with record years 2021-2026: 9 resolved, 0 archived, 0 addressed, and 0 unaddressed. Under this source contract, current noncompliance is the sum of addressed and unaddressed records. Archived and resolved records are excluded from current noncompliance.
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2026 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Health-based | Resolved |
| April 1, 2026 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Non-health-based | Resolved |
| March 31, 2026 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Health-based | Resolved |
| December 1, 2025 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Non-health-based | Resolved |
| November 1, 2025 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Health-based | Resolved |
| October 17, 2024 | Stage 2 DBP Rule | Health-based | Resolved |
| October 17, 2024 | Stage 2 DBP Rule | Non-health-based | Resolved |
| July 1, 2021 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Non-health-based | Resolved |
| June 1, 2021 | Lead and Copper Rule | Non-health-based | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting Failure | 3 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 2 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 2 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule evidence attributed directly to this water system:
| Lead Level | Exceeds Action Level | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|
| 0.00235 mg/L | No | N/A |
The accepted LCR snapshot contains 1 reported copper action-level exceedance record for this PWSID. The source does not provide a verified copper level for publication.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
Coverage: Service area ZIP codes sourced from EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 (March 2026 release). These ZIPs reflect the actual deployment footprint recorded by TX or modeled from parcel and building-footprint data.
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Rice University (TX1010908) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rice University water safe to drink?
The accepted 2026Q2 ECHO snapshot shows no current noncompliance for Rice University; its 9 accepted 2021-2026 records are resolved or archived. Historical compliance status does not establish conditions at a specific tap.
How many people does Rice University serve?
Rice University serves approximately 8,415 people across 2 ZIP codes in Texas.
Where does Rice University get its water?
The primary water source is surface water.
Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Detected
This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). PFAS compounds were detected below the current state-enforceable MCL.
Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.
Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →
Frequently Asked Questions
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (n.d.). Rice University (TX): 4 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/water-system/tx1010908/
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author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Rice University (TX): 4 Health Violations}},
year = {n.d.},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/water-system/tx1010908/}
}
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Rice University (EPA ID: TX1010908) - request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.