Harris County Public Health (HCPH) marks National Water Quality Month by urging Harris County residents to protect their drinking water at home. The release covers risks from bacteria, chemicals, lead, and PFAS, and advises private well owners to test water yearly for $15-$25. Public water users can review their utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report to stay informed.
HCPH is the local public health agency for the Harris County, Texas jurisdiction. It provides a wide variety of public health activities and services aimed at
improving the health and well-being of the Harris County community.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2026
Clean Water Starts at Home: Take Simple Steps to Ensure Safe Drinking
Water
HCPH encourages community members to protect water quality at home and stay informed about their
local water supply during National Water Quality Month.
HOUSTON – August is National Water Quality Month, an opportunity to highlight the importance of
safe drinking water and encourage the community to take simple steps to protect one of our most
essential resources. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) reminds community members that protecting
drinking water begins at home, and that everyone has a role to play in preventing water contamination
and reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses.
Clean drinking water is essential for healthy communities. While the United States has one of the safest
public drinking water systems in the world, contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals,
and sediment can still affect water quality if systems are not properly maintained or monitored.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.1 million people in
the United States become ill each year from germs in drinking water, highlighting the importance of
continued vigilance and proper water system maintenance.
“Every person in Harris County deserves access to safe, reliable drinking water,” said Scott Jeansonne,
Director of Harris County Public Health's Environmental Public Health Division. “Protecting our water
is a shared responsibility. Whether your drinking water comes from a public water system or a private
well, staying informed, maintaining your water source, and taking preventive measures can help protect
your family's health and strengthen the health of our entire community.”
Why Water Quality Matters
Water contamination can increase the risk of illnesses caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites,
including Cyclospora, E. coli, and other organisms that can cause gastrointestinal disease. Certain
contaminants, including lead, nitrates, pesticides, and other chemicals, may also pose long-term health
risks, particularly for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune
systems.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that public water systems serving
approximately 92% of the U.S. population are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act and must
meet federal drinking water standards.
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Residents who rely on private wells should remember that their water is not regulated under the Safe
Drinking Water Act and is the responsibility of the well owner. HCPH recommends testing private well
water at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates and after flooding or significant well repairs.
Individuals may submit private well water samples to a certified laboratory for testing, typically for a fee
of $15 to $25 per sample.
What Are PFAS?
Community members may also have questions about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),
often called “forever chemicals.” PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used for
decades in products such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting
foams. Because they break down very slowly, PFAS can persist in the environment and, in some cases,
enter drinking water supplies.
The EPA regulates certain PFAS in public drinking water through national drinking water standards
designed to help protect public health.
Community members who receive water from a public water system can review their utility's annual
Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or contact their local water provider to learn whether PFAS
monitoring has been conducted and what results have been reported. Residents who rely on private wells
and have concerns about PFAS or other contaminants may wish to consult a certified laboratory about
available testing options.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Drinking Water
Community members can help safeguard drinking water by:
• Properly disposing of household chemicals and medication. Never pour paints, oils,
pesticides, or medications down sinks or toilets.
• Conserving water by repairing leaks and using water-efficient fixtures.
• Maintaining private wells through routine inspections and annual water quality testing.
• Staying informed by checking with their local Municipal Utility District (MUD) or water
provider for boil water notices and service updates, particularly following hurricanes, flooding,
or other severe weather events. MUDs are local governmental entities that provide water,
wastewater, drainage, and other utility services to many communities throughout Harris County.
• Know Your Water Quality. Review your public water system's annual Consumer Confidence
Report (also called a Water Quality Report) to learn about the quality of your drinking water,
including any available information on PFAS and other regulated contaminants. If you use a
private well, ask a certified laboratory about testing options if you have concerns about potential
contamination.
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Harris County is home to approximately 1,200 public drinking water systems, ranging from the City of
Houston (the state’s largest public water system) to numerous MUDs and smaller community water
systems. HCPH works closely with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) by
responding to drinking water complaints, conducting investigations, and serving as a local liaison
between residents, public water systems, and the state to ensure compliance with health-based drinking
water standards.
Harris County community members can visit hcphtx.org/DrinkingWater to learn more about protecting
their drinking water, including guidance on testing private wells.
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