Good Water Quality
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 8.4 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | Unregulated |
| PFHxS | 6.2 ppt | 10 ppt | 10 ppt | Below limit |
| PFBS | 5.1 ppt | 2000 ppt | 100 ppt | Below limit |
| PFOS | 4.8 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Exceeded |
| PFPeA | 4.1 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
| PFHxA | 3.3 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | Unregulated |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Austin, Texas (78751) 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 City Of Austin Water & Wastewater, a surface water system providing water to approximately 1,115,323 people. 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.
A score of 76/100 means the water in Austin, 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.
Common Questions
Based on EPA data, tap water in Austin, 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 78751 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 1,115,323 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.
No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 78751. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.
Yes — 6 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Austin, 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 Austin, 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 Austin, 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.