City of Houston

Houston Public Works

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 06/12/2025

Mandatory Notice Relating to Houston Water Testing for the Month of May

HOUSTON - The safety of Houston’s drinking water remains our top priority. Houston Public Works is issuing this public notice as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to inform customers about a recent Acute Surface Water Treatment Technique Violation. We are committed to transparency and providing you with the facts.

What Happened?

On May 21, 2025, the City of Houston’s Northeast Water Purification Plant Expansion (NEWPPE) experienced an issue with water clarity, known as a turbidity excursion. Turbidity is a measure of how clear water is. While this issue was quickly addressed, we are required to notify the public because turbidity can sometimes indicate problems with water treatment.

It’s important to note:

Disinfection levels were consistently within and above the required standards set by the TCEQ.
The plant continued to effectively remove and inactivate pathogens (such as bacteria and viruses) during this time.

What Did We Do?

Our water quality team acted quickly to fix the issue by performing emergency maintenance on the polymer feed systems, which help with the water treatment process.
As soon as the systems were restored, turbidity levels returned to normal operating levels.
We also tested drinking water at various points in the distribution system. All samples met regulatory limits for turbidity.

Mandatory TCEQ-Required Language

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) sets minimum water quality standards for public drinking water. One of these standards is a turbidity limit. Turbidity by itself has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may also indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms can be particularly severe in people who are not as resistant to infections as most of the population. If you experience severe symptoms, please consult with your doctor to determine what actions you should take.

The City of Houston Main System, PWS ID TX1010013, failed to meet the minimum treatment technique requirements for the month of May 2025. Specifically, our water system had elevated turbidity levels at the NEWPPE prior to entry into the distribution system during two consecutive reads. Due to the nature and severity of this violation (multiple barrier failure treatment technique violation (CFE >1.0 NTU and IFE >2.0 NTU)), the TCEQ has required us to issue this public notice.

Please share this information with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (i.e., people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS

Houston Public Works (www.HoustonPublicWorks.org) is the largest and most diverse public works organization in the country, responsible for creating a strong foundation for Houston to thrive. Houston Public Works is responsible for streets and drainage, production and distribution of water, collection, and treatment of wastewater, and permitting and regulation of public and private construction covering a 671-square mile service area. Houston Public Works is accredited by the American Public Works Association. Facebook, X, Instagram and Nextdoor: @HouPublicWorks

Contact:

Erin Jones, Public Information Officer
Office: 832-395-2530
Cell: 713-853-6073
Erin.Jones@houstontx.gov

Mary Benton, Chief of Communications for Mayor John Whitmire
Office: 832-393-0830
Cell: 713-208-6229
Mary.Benton@houstontx.gov