Lubbock Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Good news for Lubbock residents — your tap water meets all federal safety standards. At 674 ppm (39.4 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.

A

Safe to Drink

Meets all EPA standards

39.4 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

1.36ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Very Hard water

674ppm
0100809+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

0total

Clean record

View EPA report →

Is Lubbock Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Lubbock tap water meets all EPA health standards and is safe to drink.

  • No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
  • Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
  • For complete peace of mind, consider testing your home's water—contaminants can enter through your plumbing.

The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 275K people in the Lubbock area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.

How Hard is Lubbock Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

674 ppm

39.4 grains per gallon

Very Hard

Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.

Impact on Your Home

Shower

Dries out skin & hair

Kitchen

Heavy mineral deposits

Laundry

Stiff, dingy clothes

Appliances

Significant scale

Regional Comparison

Lubbock
674
Texas
170
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Based on 1 water samples from Lubbock County.

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Lubbock tap water.

Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.

Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Lubbock

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

1.36 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Lubbock lead levels are well within safe limits.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2025-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

  • Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
  • Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
  • Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
  • Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Excellent Record

No violations in past 3 years

This utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.

3-Year Violation Summary

0

Total Violations

0

Health-Related

0

Administrative

All past violations resolved

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

Who Provides Lubbock's Water?

Utility Name

LUBBOCK PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM

EPA System ID (PWSID)

TX1520002

Primary Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

275K

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Lubbock tap water quality

Yes, Lubbock tap water is safe to drink. The water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations in the past 3 years. Lead levels are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Lubbock has very hard water with a hardness of 674 ppm (39.4 grains per gallon). Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Lead levels (1.36 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Lubbock's tap water is provided by LUBBOCK PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is TX1520002. The primary water source is Surface Water. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Lubbock tap water meets all EPA standards and is safe to drink without filtration. The water is very hard (674 ppm), so a water softener could reduce scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
Lubbock's water utility has had no violations in the past 3 years, indicating excellent compliance with EPA drinking water regulations.
Lubbock's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a safe and common practice required by the EPA. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Lubbock's tap water primarily comes from surface water sources. Surface water is collected from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, then treated before distribution. The water is provided by LUBBOCK PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM.

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This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology