Water Quality in Brownsville, TX

Brownsville's water has very hard water (236 PPM) and PFAS above EPA limits (5 ppt). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. An activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels. Read below for a full breakdown.

Brownsville PUB · Source: Rio Grande · Serves 186,738 residents

236
Hardness (PPM)
459
TDS (PPM)
1
Chlorine (mg/L)
5
PFAS (ppt)
2
Lead (ppb)
236 PPM 0 400 Very Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 236 PPM TDS 459 PPM PFAS 5 ppt Lead 2 ppb Chlorine 1 mg/L Nitrate 5 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Brownsville Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Very hard water

Brownsville's Rio Grande water is very hard.

What Brownsville's Water Means for Your Home

Brownsville residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 236 PPM (13.8 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from the regional geology as surface water is treated and distributed. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 236 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many Brownsville homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

PFAS contamination is a significant concern in Brownsville. At 5 parts per trillion, levels exceed the EPA's 2024 maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body, which is why they are called "forever chemicals." Long-term exposure has been associated with increased cancer risk, thyroid disruption, and immune system effects. A whole-house activated carbon filter or point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS to safe levels. Look for NSF P473 certification when comparing products.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)236 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids459 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)5 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)⚠ Above limit
Lead2 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate5 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Brownsville Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 236 PPM (13.8 GPG), Brownsville's water is very hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical Brownsville household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
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🔬 Activated Carbon Filter for PFAS
PFAS detected at 5 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects with long-term exposure. A whole-house granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS. Look for NSF P473 certification, which specifically tests for PFAS removal.
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About Brownsville's Water Supply

Water Utility: Brownsville PUB

Water Source: Rio Grande

Population Served: 186,738

Hardness: 236 PPM (13.8 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Brownsville PUB. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Brownsville to Other Texas Cities

Houston

120 PPM · Hard

San Antonio

240 PPM · Very Hard

Dallas

100 PPM · Moderately Hard

Fort Worth

110 PPM · Moderately Hard

El Paso

265 PPM · Extremely Hard

Arlington

124 PPM · Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Brownsville Water

Is Brownsville tap water safe to drink?
Brownsville's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. PFAS levels exceed the 2024 EPA health standard, which is a concern for long-term exposure. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Brownsville?
Yes. At 236 PPM (13.8 GPG), Brownsville's water is very hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical Brownsville home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for Brownsville?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For PFAS, look for a filter with NSF P473 certification. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis systems are both effective. Standard carbon pitcher filters may not remove PFAS adequately. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Brownsville's water come from?
Brownsville's drinking water is sourced from Rio Grande and treated by Brownsville PUB. Brownsville's Rio Grande water is very hard..
What is the hardness of Brownsville water in grains per gallon?
Brownsville's water hardness is 13.8 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 236 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as very hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Brownsville water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 13.8 GPG, Brownsville's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Brownsville water safe for babies and infants?
Brownsville's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.
How much does hard water cost a Brownsville household per year?
At 236 PPM, hard water costs the average Brownsville household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Brownsville households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Brownsville PUB Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.