Houston Area
Water Quality Report
Data-driven insights into your local water hardness and quality. Find out why Houston homes need water treatment.
Key Findings
Average Hardness Range
Use Chloramine Disinfection
Across All Service Areas
What This Means For You
The Greater Houston area consistently has hard to very hard water, primarily due to our reliance on the Gulf Coast Aquifer and surface water from the Brazos River system. This hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium that cause:
- Scale buildup in pipes and appliances
- Reduced water heater efficiency
- Dry skin and hair issues
- Spotty dishes and glassware
- Increased soap and detergent usage
- Stiff, dingy laundry
Water Hardness Scale
| Classification | GPG (Grains/Gallon) | PPM (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | 0-1 | 0-17 |
| Slightly Hard | 1-3.5 | 17-60 |
| Moderately Hard | 3.5-7 | 60-120 |
| Hard | 7-10.5 | 120-180 |
| Very Hard | 10.5+ | 180+ |
Source: Water Quality Association (WQA) and USGS classification standards
Water Quality By Region
Data compiled from municipal Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) and official water quality testing.
Harris County (Houston Metro)
Fort Bend County
| City | Hardness (GPG) | Classification | Water Source | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Land | 10-16 | Very Hard | Groundwater (Gulf Coast Aquifer) | 2024 CCR |
| Katy | 7-10 | Hard | Groundwater | 2024 CCR |
| Missouri City | 8-12 | Hard | Groundwater & Surface Water Blend | 2024 CCR |
| Richmond | 9-10 | Hard | Groundwater | 2024 CCR |
| Rosenberg | 8-11 | Hard | Groundwater | 2024 CCR |
Brazoria County
Galveston County
| City | Hardness (GPG) | Classification | Water Source | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League City | 6-9 | Moderately Hard | Surface Water (Brazos River via GCWA) | 2024 CCR |
| Friendswood | 7-10 | Hard | Mixed Sources | 2024 CCR |
| Texas City | 7-9 | Hard | Surface Water | 2024 CCR |
| Galveston | 6-8 | Moderately Hard | Surface Water (Brazos River) | 2024 CCR |
| Dickinson | 7-9 | Hard | Surface Water via GCWA | 2024 CCR |
About Chloramine in Houston Water
All major water suppliers in the Greater Houston area use chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) as their primary disinfectant. While chloramine is effective at keeping water safe during distribution, it presents unique challenges:
- Harder to remove: Unlike chlorine, chloramine doesn't evaporate and requires catalytic carbon filtration for effective removal.
- Taste and odor: Many residents notice a chemical taste or smell in their tap water.
- Skin sensitivity: Chloramine can contribute to dry skin and may aggravate conditions like eczema.
- Aquarium concerns: Chloramine is toxic to fish and must be removed before use in aquariums.
Source: Houston Public Works, EPA Drinking Water Guidelines
Data Sources & References
Water quality data on this page is compiled from official municipal Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), which water utilities are required to publish annually under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Official Sources:
- City of Sugar Land Annual Water Quality Report - Accessed January 2026
- City of Katy Water Quality Report - Accessed January 2026
- City of Pearland Consumer Confidence Report - Accessed January 2026
- Missouri City Water Quality Report - Accessed January 2026
- League City Annual Drinking Water Quality Report - Accessed January 2026
- Houston Public Works Water Quality - Accessed January 2026
- Gulf Coast Water Authority - Accessed January 2026
- Fort Bend County Municipal Utility Districts - Accessed January 2026
- USGS Texas Water Science Center - Accessed January 2026
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - Accessed January 2026
Disclaimer: Water quality can vary by location within a service area and may change over time. For the most current information about your specific water supply, contact your local water utility or request a free water test from Continental Home Solutions.
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