B
76

Good Water Quality

Olmito, TX 78575

Cameron County · Population served: 12,596 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
OLMITO WSC
Surface water · Pop. 8,952
PWSID: TX0310026
🏔
VALLEY MUD 2 RANCHO VIEJO
Surface water · Pop. 3,644
PWSID: TX0310059

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
0.7
15 ppb 1 ppb Passed

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

5 detected 1 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBA10.6 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFPeA5.3 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA4.9 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFOS4.5 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFHxS3.6 ppt10 ppt10 pptBelow limit

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

3Total (5yr)
3Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Olmito

Tap water quality in Olmito, Texas (78575) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 76 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 8 points above the Texas state average of 68. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 12,596 people, using surface water sources. Notably, 1 PFAS compound exceeds EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 3 violations, including 3 health-based violations.

Your Score 76/100 B
vs State 8 pts above Texas avg (68)
vs National 1 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade B Means

A score of 76/100 means the water in Olmito, TX is generally good and meets EPA standards, with only minor areas of concern. There may be low levels of detectable contaminants or a small number of non-critical violations. Most residents can feel comfortable with their tap water quality, though basic filtration can provide an extra layer of protection.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Olmito, Texas receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 76/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.

ZIP code 78575 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 12,596 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

Lead levels in Olmito, Texas are 0.7 ppb, which is at or below the health guideline of 1 ppb. This is a positive result, though periodic testing is still recommended.

Yes — 5 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Olmito, Texas, and 1 exceeds EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Olmito, Texas have received 3 violations in the last 5 years, including 3 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (PFAS), residents in Olmito, Texas should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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