Water system

Rice University

Name: Rice University drinking water quality
Creator: TapWaterZip
License: https://www.usa.gov/government-works

Texas EPA ID TX1010908 8,415 people Surface water · purchased

What this means for you

Is it safe to drink right now?: Based on the latest EPA data, Rice University has no unresolved health-based violations from the past year. Water that meets federal standards is generally considered safe to drink for most healthy people.
Should I use a filter?: It's worth considering. Rice University has a D because of its violation record over the past 5 years (4 health-based), even though nothing is flagged as unresolved in the last year. A filter matched to the contaminants in its violation history is a reasonable precaution.
What kind of filter?: See matched standards and product picks.

This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.

Summary: 4 health-based violations in the last 5 years; 9 monitoring/reporting violations; PFAS tested (UCMR 5), none above federal limits; Lead 90th percentile below the action level (2026).

EPA data snapshot 2026Q3. Grade is TapWaterZip's own score — see methods.

PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5

Chemical	Highest location average	Highest single sample	Federal limit	Detections/samples
PFBS	1.7 ppt	3.7 ppt	none	2/8
PFHxA	4.2 ppt	6.4 ppt	none	3/8
PFBA	11.2 ppt	28 ppt	none	3/8
PFHxS	1.6 ppt	3.5 ppt	10 ppt (proposed repeal)	2/8
PFPeA	4.4 ppt	6.9 ppt	none	3/8

4 PFAS tested and not detected

PFOA, PFOS, HFPO-DA, PFNA (8 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).

Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0.16 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).

Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.

Lithium (also tested in UCMR 5, not a PFAS; no federal limit): highest location average 22.3 ppb.

Lead and copper

Lead 90th percentile2.4 ppb2026-06-30

Current action level15 ppbLCRI lowers to 10 ppb on Nov 1, 2027

Copper 90th percentile1.52 mg/L2025-12-31 · action level 1.3 mg/L

Violations (last 5 years)

Began	Type	Contaminant / rule	Status
2026-04-01	Missed or late testing	Revised Total Coliform Rule	Resolved
2026-04-01	Required treatment not done	Lead and Copper Rule	Resolved
2026-03-31	Required treatment not done	Lead and Copper Rule	Resolved
2026-01-01	Missed or late testing/reporting	Lead and Copper Rule	Archived
2025-12-01	Missed or late testing	Revised Total Coliform Rule	Resolved
2025-11-01	Contaminant above legal limit	Revised Total Coliform Rule	Resolved
2024-10-17	Reporting problem	LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS	Resolved
2024-10-17	Required treatment not done	LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS	Resolved
2023-10-01	Missed or late testing/reporting	Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)	Resolved
2023-10-01	Missed or late testing/reporting	TTHM	Resolved
2023-06-09	Other paperwork/notice violation	Public Notice	Resolved
2022-01-01	Missed or late testing/reporting	TTHM	Archived
2022-01-01	Missed or late testing/reporting	Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)	Archived

Filters matched to this water

FILTER PICKS

Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.