Health Violations Found TX 13 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

Lubbock Public Water System

EPA ID: TX1520002 · 275,041 people served · 28 ZIP codes

Looking at the EPA enforcement file for Lubbock Public Water System, 19 violations are listed as unresolved — those findings cover the utility's service area of approximately 275,041 people and remain open in the federal compliance system, awaiting formal corrective action documentation.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

D · 52
Avg Safety Score
275,041
People Served
28
ZIP Codes Served
54
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.00136 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 2
Radon Risk · Moderate
9
Contaminants Flagged

Compliance Trajectory

Worsening · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months

Violations went from 3 (2022) to 355 (2025). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Lubbock Public Water System Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade D

Service Area Demographics

$49,140
Median Household Income
296,707
Service Area Population
34%
Disadvantaged Population
50th
Poverty Percentile
50th
Energy Burden Percentile
60%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Lubbock Public Water System serves a community with a median household income of $49,140 and an estimated 296,707 residents across its service area. Approximately 60% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

Environmental Justice Note: 34% 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?

Surface Water

Lubbock Public Water System'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.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
10th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
20th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 1% of homes in Lubbock County, Texas rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Infrastructure Risk

46 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Unknown
Pipe Material
22 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Accelerating Decay
Decay Status
Installed 68% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Lubbock Public Water System compares to EPA limits

Lead 1 mg/L (action level) (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.015 mg/L (action level)
Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults
Barium 11 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 2 mg/L

What This Means For You

Lead at 1 mg/L (action level) exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.015 mg/L (action level). Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.

Lead and Copper Rule at 24 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Barium at 11 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 2 mg/L.

Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 5 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Stage 2 DBP Rule at 4 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. 16 detections recorded.

State limits: PFOA: 0.07 ppt, PFOS: 0.07 ppt
Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

Lead was detected in this water system. reverse osmosis filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Texas

City of Irving
264,546 people
A 0 violations
City of Laredo
260,046 people
C 34 violations
City of Plano
292,059 people
A 1 violation
City of Garland
248,822 people
A 2 violations
City of Frisco
231,910 people
A 4 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Flood Insurance Water Filtration Radon Mitigation PFAS Treatment
Flood Insurance $750
Water Filtration $579
Radon Mitigation $400
PFAS Treatment $286
Total Estimated Cost $2,014

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.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,500

Annual per household (CDC est.)

Estimated Property Value Decline $8,660

5% of median home value (EPA est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$11,995
10 years
$23,990
20 years
$47,980

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $2,014 (one-time) vs. $23,990 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

Lubbock Public Water System (EPA ID: TX1520002) is a community water system in Texas that serves approximately 275,041 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 28 ZIP codes across 2 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: D (52/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

13 health-based violations recorded in the past 5 years. 19 remain unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
July 24, 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Unresolved
June 4, 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
May 1, 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Unresolved
April 10, 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2025 Barium Health-based Unresolved
January 10, 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
January 1, 2025 Barium Health-based Unresolved
October 17, 2024 Stage 2 DBP Rule Health-based Resolved
October 17, 2024 Stage 2 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
October 1, 2024 Barium Health-based Unresolved
September 11, 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 2, 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2024 Barium Health-based Unresolved
April 1, 2024 Barium Health-based Unresolved
February 28, 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
November 16, 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
October 1, 2023 Barium Health-based Unresolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Failure 24 No
Barium Inorganic 11 Yes
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting Failure 5 No
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 4 Yes
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 3 No
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 3 No
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 2 No
Lead Inorganic 1 No
Gross Beta Radionuclides 1 No

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
79401 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79402 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79403 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79404 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79405 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79406 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79407 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79408 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79409 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79410 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79411 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79412 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79413 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79414 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79415 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79416 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79423 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79424 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79430 0.00136 mg/L No N/A
79452 0.00136 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your 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.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: 15 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 13 additional ZIPs inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Lubbock Public Water System (TX1520002) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lubbock Public Water System water safe to drink?

Lubbock Public Water System has recorded 13 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does Lubbock Public Water System serve?

Lubbock Public Water System serves approximately 275,041 people across 28 ZIP codes in Texas.

Where does Lubbock Public Water System 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.

Samples collected
290
Detections
5
Latest sample
6/11/2024
Highest analyte
PFBA: 10.9 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFBA 10.9 ppt

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 →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

0
Confirmed Lead
141
Galvanized — Replacement Required
0
Unknown Material
100,812
Confirmed Non-Lead

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2023-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 275,041
Reported to Texas

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Lubbock Public Water System safe to drink?
Lubbock Public Water System has a D safety grade based on 54 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in Lubbock Public Water System's water?
Detected contaminants include Lead, Lead and Copper Rule, Barium, Consumer Confidence Report Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 5 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does Lubbock Public Water System serve?
Lubbock Public Water System serves approximately 275,041 people with drinking water across 28 ZIP codes.
What is Lubbock Public Water System's water source?
Lubbock Public Water System draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Lubbock Public Water System's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.00136 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of Lubbock Public Water System's service area?
The Lubbock Public Water System service area has a median household income of $49,140. EPA EJScreen data classifies 34% of the population as disadvantaged, which may indicate greater vulnerability to environmental health risks.
Where does Lubbock Public Water System get its water?
Lubbock Public Water System'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. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

Lubbock Public Water System (EPA ID: TX1520002) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

Home Water Systems Texas Lubbock Public Water System

Get safety alerts for Lubbock Public Water System, Texas

Free updates when EPA data changes for this area. No spam.

Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.

Share This Page

X Facebook
Violations found — check filter options Free tool — no phone call required.