Water Quality in College Station, TX

College Station's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 113 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

City of College Station Water · Source: Brazos River Authority, Alluvial wells · Serves 120,511 residents

113
Hardness (PPM)
246
TDS (PPM)
1.8
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
113 PPM 0 400 Moderately Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 113 PPM TDS 246 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 1.8 mg/L Nitrate 3 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where College Station Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Generally good quality

College Station's Brazos Valley water is moderately hard. The university city has invested in treatment upgrades.

What College Station's Water Means for Your Home

College Station's water is moderately hard at 113 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in College Station, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, College Station's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.8 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)113 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids246 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.8 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate3 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for College Station Homes

🔄 Salt-Free Conditioner (Optional)
At 113 PPM, College Station's water is moderately hard. Scale buildup is slow but noticeable over years, especially in tankless water heaters. A salt-free conditioner is a low-maintenance option if you want to extend appliance life.
Learn more about this solution →
🚿 Whole-House Carbon Filter
Chlorine measured at 1.8 mg/L. While safe to drink, this level often causes noticeable taste, odor, and can dry skin and hair. A whole-house carbon filter removes chlorine from every faucet and shower.
Learn more about this solution →

About College Station's Water Supply

Water Utility: City of College Station Water

Water Source: Brazos River Authority, Alluvial wells

Population Served: 120,511

Hardness: 113 PPM (6.6 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of College Station Water. 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 College Station 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 College Station Water

Is College Station tap water safe to drink?
College Station's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. 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 College Station?
At 113 PPM, College Station's water is moderately hard. Some homeowners at this level do not notice problems, while others see spotting on glassware, film on shower doors, or reduced soap lathering. Homes with tankless water heaters at this hardness level should strongly consider at least a salt-free conditioner, as scale buildup inside the heat exchanger can void the warranty. For other homes, it depends on your sensitivity and fixtures.
What water filter is best for College Station?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does College Station's water come from?
College Station's drinking water is sourced from Brazos River Authority, Alluvial wells and treated by City of College Station Water. College Station's Brazos Valley water is moderately hard. The university city has invested in treatment upgrades.
What is the hardness of College Station water in grains per gallon?
College Station's water hardness is 6.6 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 113 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as moderately hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does College Station water damage tankless water heaters?
At 6.6 GPG, College Station's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is College Station water safe for babies and infants?
College Station'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.

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