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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 78526 Water Quality Report

Brownsville, TX · Cameron County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

4

Lead Risk

Low

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 78526

Tap water in ZIP code 78526 (Brownsville, TX) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 82/100). Served by Brownsville Public Utilities Board, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

Brownsville Public Utilities Board

EPA ID: TX0310001

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

201,249 residents

County

Cameron County County, Texas

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Lead Levels in ZIP 78526

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 1.4 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 78526 is 1.4 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 78526 is rated Low. EPA models estimate a 15% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This rating reflects newer infrastructure, lower housing age, and/or low detected lead levels. Standard precautions — flushing taps before use, using filtered water for infants — are still recommended.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
1.40 ppb (0.0014 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Low
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

15%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Brownsville Public Utilities Board has recorded 4 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures. 1 violation is currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
4
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
1
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Brownsville Public Utilities Board has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 78526. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Brownsville Public Utilities Board — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$1
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

1.9%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 78526 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Brownsville Public Utilities Board
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 78526 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 78526?+
Yes — tap water in 78526 (Brownsville, TX) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 78526 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 78526 is 1.4 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 78526?+
Tap water in ZIP code 78526 is provided by Brownsville Public Utilities Board (EPA ID: TX0310001). This system serves approximately 201,249 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 78526?+
ZIP code 78526 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 78526 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 1 unresolved violation on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Brownsville Public Utilities Board for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 78526?+
Your water utility — Brownsville Public Utilities Board — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Brownsville Public Utilities Board Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 78526?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 78526, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 78526 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 78526 shows a lead level of 1.4 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 78526 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Brownsville Public Utilities Board. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →