City overview · Harris County

PFAS in Houston, TX

High Risk

EPA UCMR 5 tested 143 public water systems serving the Houston area across 96 ZIP codes. At least one utility serving Houston has PFAS above the EPA's enforceable limit.

Water systems tested

143

Systems above EPA limits

ZIP codes covered

County

Harris County, Texas

Plain English

01What this means for Houston

Across the 143 public water systems tested in the Houston area under EPA UCMR 5, one or more measured a PFAS compound above the federal Maximum Contaminant Level. Contamination varies by utility and neighborhood — find your exact ZIP code below to see the system that serves you. If you're in an affected area, an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certified filter (carbon block or reverse osmosis) is the most reliable way to reduce PFAS at the tap.

By utility

02Water systems serving Houston

By ZIP code

03Find your exact result

Contamination can differ block to block. Select your ZIP code for the precise reading at the utility that serves your address.

Source & Methodology

About this data

Source

EPA UCMR 5

Sampling period

January 2023 – December 2025

Aggregation

143 utilities across 96 ZIP codes

Detection threshold (MRL)

~1.5–2 ppt

City-level figures aggregate the individual public water systems tested under EPA UCMR 5 whose service area falls within the Houston area. Values reflect water quality at the treatment plant; your home's plumbing can affect what reaches your tap. Select your ZIP above for the utility-specific reading.

Recommended Filtration

Heads up: sample concentrations in this system are above the EPA's numeric Maximum Contaminant Level. Utilities have until 2029 to install treatment if levels stay this high; in the meantime, standard pitcher filters (Brita, PUR) typically don't remove PFAS. The options below are certified for it.

Reverse Osmosis (Under-Sink)

Most effective at removing all detected PFAS compounds, including those exceeding MCLs.

Look for:NSF/ANSI 58 certified, NSF P473 certified for PFOA/PFOS

Top brands:Waterdrop, Aquasana, iSpring

Price range:$150-$600

Our Top Pick: Waterdrop G3P800 →

$150-$600

View All →

Whole-House Activated Carbon System

Removes PFOA and PFOS from all household water points.

Look for:NSF/ANSI 53 certified specifically for PFOA/PFOS removal

Top brands:Aquasana, SpringWell

Price range:$800-$2,500

Our Top Pick: Aquasana EQ-1000 →

$800-$2,500

View All →

Filter links may be affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.

Statewide

PFAS across Texas

Compare Houston with other cities and utilities tested across Texas.

See all Texas water systems →