Water Quality: Laredo, TX
4 water systems • 271,820 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Laredo is served by 4 public water systems with a combined service population of 271,820 people, and has 1,273 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 123 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Laredo's violation count is 499% above the national average for Texas. Contaminants associated with violations include Bromate, E. coli, Stage 2 DBP, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants Found
Probable human carcinogen that increases the risk of kidney and thyroid cancers.
Common source: Ozonation of bromide-containing water; used as flour improver
EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids that increase cancer risk and may cause adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Chlorine disinfection reacting with natural organic matter in source water
EPA limit: TTHM: 0.080 mg/L; HAA5: 0.060 mg/L
Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter in water
EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Laredo
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF LAREDO | TX2400001 | Surface Water | 260,046 | 34 |
| WEBB COUNTY WATER UTILITIES | TX2400022 | Surface Water | 8,358 | 141 |
| WEBB COUNTY WATER DISPENSER | TX2400029 | Surface Water | 3,362 | 95 |
| LOS BOTINES WSC | TX2400043 | Groundwater | 54 | 1003 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Texas
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.