June 15, 2026

El Lago, TX Water Quality Report 2026

By PureWaterGuys

EPA compliance testing (2012–2019) detected 13 regulated contaminants in this water system, including 1 that averaged above a federal limit: DEHP (phthalate), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Copper + 10 more.

Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.

Full contaminant breakdown

EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.

ContaminantAvg. detectedHighest sampleFederal limitAvg. vs. limit
DEHP (phthalate)EPA health goal: zero 27 ppb 27 ppb 6 ppb 450% — above
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 42.2 ppb 71.7 ppb 80 ppb 53%
Copper 585 ppb 1290 ppb 1300 ppb (action level) 45%
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) 20.9 ppb 64.4 ppb 60 ppb 35%
LeadEPA health goal: zero 4 ppb 23.6 ppb 15 ppb (action level) 27%
Fluoride 435 ppb 450 ppb 4000 ppb 11%
Nitrate + nitrite 763 ppb 1200 ppb 10000 ppb 8%
Nitrite 76.7 ppb 200 ppb 1000 ppb 8%
Atrazine 0.208 ppb 0.35 ppb 3 ppb 7%
Nitrate 689 ppb 1010 ppb 10000 ppb 7%
Simazine 0.114 ppb 0.17 ppb 4 ppb 3%
Barium 43.6 ppb 48.9 ppb 2000 ppb 2%
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 0.13 ppb 0.13 ppb 50 ppb <1%

Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, Alachlor, Antimony, Arsenic, Asbestos, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Cadmium, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlordane, Chlorobenzene, Chromium (total), Cyanide, DBCP, DEHA (adipate), Dalapon, Dichloromethane, Dinoseb, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Oxamyl, Pentachlorophenol, Picloram, Selenium, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Thallium, Toluene, Toxaphene, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Reverse osmosis (drinking water)

The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.

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Whole-house carbon filtration

The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.

Shop whole-house systems →

Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.

Water Utility: Harris County Wcid 50 El Lago
Population Served: 4,002 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026

El Lago, Texas drinking water is supplied by Harris County Wcid 50 El Lago. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.

EPA Health-Based Violation History

The following contaminants exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at this utility since 2010:

Contaminant Violation Years Filter Solution
Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate 2019 Water Filters

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), updated quarterly. Health-based violations only.

Should You Filter Your El Lago Water?

Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.

Protect Your El Lago Home Water

PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems engineered to address the most common contaminants in US tap water. We ship to all Texas addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.

Shop Water Filtration Systems →Take the Water Quiz

Filters for El Lago, TX Water Issues

Based on contaminants detected in this report, these systems are worth considering:

⚠️
PFAS / Forever Chemicals
NSF-certified filters proven to remove PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and 200+ contaminants.
Shop PFAS / Forever Chemicals Filters →
🔬
Arsenic
Whole-house systems with certified arsenic-reduction media.
Shop Arsenic Filters →
💧
Nitrates / Nitrites
Reverse osmosis systems that reduce nitrates to safe levels.
Shop Nitrates / Nitrites Filters →
🏠
Chlorine / Disinfection Byproducts
Whole-house carbon filters that eliminate chlorine taste, odor, and DBPs.
Shop Chlorine / Disinfection Byproducts Filters →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Lago tap water safe to drink?

Harris County Wcid 50 El Lago is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.

Does El Lago water have PFAS?

PFAS monitoring data for this utility may not yet be published in EPA databases. We recommend a reverse osmosis system for maximum protection regardless of local results.

What water filter works best for El Lago?

A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.

Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.

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