Health Violations Found TX 12 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

City of Brenham

EPA ID: TX2390001 · 18,469 people served · 4 ZIP codes

Right now, City of Brenham shows 9 EPA violations marked active and unresolved — the provider continues to supply approximately 18,469 residents while each finding awaits closure.

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

C · 68
Avg Safety Score
18,469
People Served
4
ZIP Codes Served
23
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.025 mg/L
Max Lead Level — Exceeds Limit
Zone 3
Radon Risk · Low
7
Contaminants Flagged
$290K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Compliance Trajectory

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

Violations went from 3 (2021) to 3 (2025). Violation counts have remained relatively steady.

Service Area Map

Coverage area for City of Brenham Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade C

Service Area Demographics

$78,229
Median Household Income
33,463
Service Area Population
17%
Disadvantaged Population
50th
Poverty Percentile
60th
Energy Burden Percentile
41%
Pre-1986 Housing

The City of Brenham serves a community with a median household income of $78,229 and an estimated 33,463 residents across its service area. Approximately 41% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Surface Water

City of Brenham'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
60th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
40th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 2% of homes in Washington County, Texas rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

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.

Infrastructure Risk

37 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Copper
Pipe Material
32 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Moderate Wear
Decay Status
Installed 54% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How City of Brenham compares to EPA limits

Contaminant 1009 1 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.004 mg/L
Intestinal damage, bone damage
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) 12 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.06 mg/L
Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects

What This Means For You

Contaminant 1009 at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.004 mg/L. Intestinal damage, bone damage. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) at 12 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.06 mg/L. Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

Lead and Copper Rule at 4 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Total Coliform at 2 presence exceeds the EPA maximum of presence.

Stage 1 DBP Rule at 2 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. 3 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 →

Contaminant 1009 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 Terrell
18,432 people
A 2 violations
City of Red Oak
18,577 people
0 violations
0 violations
City of Lockhart
18,800 people
A 1 violation
City of Gainesville
18,107 people
A 6 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Flood Insurance Water Filtration PFAS Treatment
Flood Insurance $1,350
Water Filtration $375
PFAS Treatment $250
Total Estimated Cost $1,975

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.)

Lead Exposure — Child Lifetime Cost $10,000

Per affected child (EPA est.)

Estimated Property Value Decline $14,515

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
$17,705
10 years
$35,410
20 years
$70,820

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $1,975 (one-time) vs. $35,410 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

CITY OF BRENHAM (EPA ID: TX2390001) is a community water system in Texas that serves approximately 18,469 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 4 ZIP codes across 3 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: C (68/100)

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

Violation History

12 health-based violations recorded in the past 5 years. 9 remain unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
July 1, 2025 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Health-based Unresolved
May 15, 2025 Total Coliform Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2024 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Health-based Resolved
February 16, 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
January 1, 2024 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Health-based Resolved
October 1, 2023 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Health-based Resolved
July 1, 2023 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Health-based Unresolved
June 22, 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2023 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Health-based Unresolved
January 1, 2023 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
January 1, 2023 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Health-based Unresolved

Contaminants Detected

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

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 12 Yes
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Failure 4 No
Total Coliform Microbiological 2 No
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 2 Yes
Contaminant 1009 Other Violation 1 No
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 1 No
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 1 No

Health Risk Details

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (EPA limit: 0.06 mg/L)

Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects At-risk groups: pregnant women, infants, long-term consumers of chlorinated municipal water.

Removal methods: granular activated carbon (GAC), carbon block filter, reverse osmosis. Find the right filter →

Lead & Copper

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

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
77835 0.025 mg/L Yes N/A
77833 0.0011 mg/L No N/A
77834 0.0011 mg/L No N/A
Lead exceeds EPA action level in at least one sampling location. Consider using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 filter rated for lead removal.

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 3 (Low Risk)

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: 3 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 1 additional ZIP 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 City of Brenham (TX2390001) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is City of Brenham water safe to drink?

City of Brenham has recorded 12 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 City of Brenham serve?

City of Brenham serves approximately 18,469 people across 4 ZIP codes in Texas.

Where does City of Brenham get its water?

The primary water source is surface water.

Contact Your Water Utility

Public-record contact information for the water utility serving this system. Use these channels to request water quality reports, ask about service, or report issues directly.

Phone
979-337-7400
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Contact information from City of Brenham Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.

Water Source & Treatment

Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.

Source
Surface water
Drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Disinfectant used
Chloramines
Treatment chemicals reported
ChloramineChlorine Dioxide

Source: City of Brenham Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.

Source water assessment from City of Brenham Consumer Confidence Report:
The TCEQ completed an assessment of your source water and results indicate that some of your sources are susceptible to certain contaminants. The sampling requirements for your water system are based on this susceptibility and previous sample data.

Treatment regime

How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.

Treatment classification
Standard
Disinfection plus one or more treatment additives — typically corrosion control, pH adjustment, or fluoridation. Standard regime for utilities serving treated municipal water.

Treatment chemicals and what each one does

Chemical names are reported verbatim by the utility. Purpose categories are ZipCheckup annotations based on standard drinking-water treatment practice.

Disinfectant
Inactivates bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the treated water.
ChloramineChlorine Dioxide

Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from City of Brenham Consumer Confidence Report.

Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.

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
116
Detections
4
Latest sample
11/13/2023
Highest analyte
PFBA: 98.5 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFBA 98.5 ppt
PFPeA 3.7 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 →

PFAS Substances Detected in This System

This water system's Consumer Confidence Report disclosed the following PFAS compounds. Levels are from the utility's most recent reporting cycle.

Substance Detected level EPA limit Status
Lithium
Not yet EPA-regulated
18400 ppt No federal limit set
11‐chloroeicosafluoro‐3‐oxaundecane‐1‐sulfonic acid (11Cl‐PF3OUdS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
9‐chlorohexadecafluoro‐3‐oxanonane‐1‐sulfonic acid (9Cl‐PF3ONS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
4,8‐dioxa‐3H‐perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
nonafluoro‐3,6‐dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
98.5 ppt No federal limit set
perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluoro(2‐ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid (PFEESA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluoro‐3‐methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluoro‐4‐methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
3.7 ppt No federal limit set
perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
1H,1H, 2H, 2H‐perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2FTS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
1H,1H, 2H, 2H‐perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2FTS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
1H,1H, 2H, 2H‐perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2FTS)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
N‐ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
N‐methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set
perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA)
Not yet EPA-regulated
Not disclosed No federal limit set

In April 2024, EPA finalized the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. Public water systems have until 2029 to comply. EPA — PFAS regulation overview →

Source: Consumer Confidence Report disclosed by City of Brenham.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. PFAS detection data is sourced from public Consumer Confidence Reports filed by the utility itself.

Learn more about PFAS health effects and filtration →

Lead service line replacement plan from City of Brenham Consumer Confidence Report:
The City of Brenham is working to identify service line materials throughout the City owned water system and has determined < 2% of service lines that connect to a residence, business, or structure to the water main are made from unknown materials that may consist of lead. Because these service line materials are unknown, there is the potential that some or all of the service lines could be made of lead or galvanized pipe that was previously connected to lead. The City of Brenham staff has concluded the inspection of approximately 98.2% of the services located on the City’s water system and intends to inspect your service in the very near future to determine if your service has lead or galvanized piping.

Lead Service Line Replacement Tracker

This water utility's lead service line (LSL) replacement program is tracked from public Consumer Confidence Report filings. Email signup notifies subscribers when the utility files an updated replacement plan or progress milestone.

Get notified on replacement progress

Subscribers receive an email when this utility updates its LSL plan, files a milestone report, or adjusts replacement timelines. No marketing, no third-party sharing.

By submitting you agree to Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime via the link in any email.

City of Brenham

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. LSL replacement-program data is sourced from public CCR filings published by the utility. Subscription notifications are based on automated parsing of subsequent CCR releases.

Learn more about Lead and Copper Rule replacement requirements →

Lead Service Line Inventory

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

0
Confirmed Lead
0
Galvanized — Replacement Required
0
Unknown Material
9,477
Confirmed Non-Lead

This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.

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: 18,469
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 →

Aesthetic water quality

These measurements describe the look, taste, and feel of the water this utility delivers. They are not contaminant violations — they sit alongside federal Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCLs) which the EPA publishes as non-enforceable guidance.

pH
9.6
How acidic or basic the water is on a 0-14 scale. Drinking water is typically near neutral.
EPA secondary range: 6.5 – 8.5
Fluoride
0.68 ppm
Utility adds fluoride
Measured fluoride concentration in parts per million.
EPA secondary MCL: 2.0 ppm
Alkalinity
65 ppm CaCO₃
Capacity of the water to neutralize acids, expressed as calcium carbonate equivalent.
Total dissolved solids
248 ppm
Mineral content remaining after evaporation, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, and other dissolved substances.
EPA secondary MCL: 500 ppm

Aesthetic measurements from City of Brenham Consumer Confidence Report.

Aesthetic measurements are reported by the utility from its annual sampling. EPA Secondary MCLs are advisory thresholds — values outside them indicate aesthetic concerns such as taste or appearance, not health violations. Federal contaminant testing is shown in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from City of Brenham safe to drink?
City of Brenham has a C safety grade based on 23 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in City of Brenham's water?
Detected contaminants include Contaminant 1009, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Lead and Copper Rule, Total Coliform. 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 City of Brenham serve?
City of Brenham serves approximately 18,469 people with drinking water across 4 ZIP codes.
What is City of Brenham's water source?
City of Brenham draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in City of Brenham's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.025 mg/L. This exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. A lead-certified filter is recommended, especially for homes with young children.
What is the demographic profile of City of Brenham's service area?
The City of Brenham service area has a median household income of $78,229. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does City of Brenham get its water?
City of Brenham'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

City of Brenham (EPA ID: TX2390001) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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