78503
McAllen, TX
Hidalgo County · McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX metro area
MCALLEN PUBLIC UTILITY

Is tap water in McAllen-Pharr CCD (78503) safe to drink?

Higher concern
Last tested: March 2024
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data. Last tested March 2024.
Township:
  • McAllen-Pharr CCD, TX
Neighborhoods:
  • Mcallen
  • Stonegate Colonia Number 2

The short answer for McAllen-Pharr CCD (78503)

McAllen tap water has 2 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including lithium at 4.7× the limit (tested March 2024). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.

The health risk for McAllen

lithium has been detected above EPA limits in this water system's recent tests. A certified filter designed for this contaminant type is strongly recommended.
  • lithium above limit.
lithium concentration (µg/L) March 2024
0 µg/L 10 µg/L 50 µg/L
47.000 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
10 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
370% above limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 10 µg/L | Your water: 47.000 µg/L
Certified Filters for McAllen Tap Water

lithium was detected above EPA limits. These filters are independently certified to reduce common drinking-water contaminants.

Water filter recommendation for McAllen tap water: Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter
Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 & P473Removes 99.99% PFASMade in USABPA-free
Best for renters or quick setup. No installation needed.
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Most elevated compounds
Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium
Tested: March 2024 · Plant 2		 47.000 µg/L 10 µg/L 370% above limit
lithium
Tested: March 2024 · Northwest Plant		 43.000 µg/L 10 µg/L 330% above limit
View all tested compounds

Northwest Plant · Tested: March 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium 43.000 µg/L 10 µg/L 330% above limit
PFBA 0.006 µg/L 6 µg/L 0.1% of limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxA <0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Plant 2 · Tested: March 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium 47.000 µg/L 10 µg/L 370% above limit
PFBA 0.006 µg/L 6 µg/L 0.1% of limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxA <0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Water utilities serving ZIP 78503

Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.

Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP 78503 Tap Water

What contaminants are above EPA limits in ZIP 78503?

ZIP 78503 has 2 contaminants above EPA health guidelines in the latest available data, including lithium at 4.7x the EPA guideline. The full table on this page lists every tested compound and its measured level.

Will boiling ZIP 78503 tap water remove lithium?

No. Boiling tap water does not remove lithium. Lithium is a dissolved mineral, so heat does not break it down and evaporation can actually concentrate it. Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) is the most reliable at-home option for reducing lithium.

Do basic pitcher filters remove lithium?

Standard pitcher filters are not certified to reduce lithium. Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) is the most widely available home option for reducing lithium in drinking water.

Who provides tap water in ZIP 78503?

Public records identify MCALLEN PUBLIC UTILITY as a primary water system associated with ZIP 78503. Service boundaries can vary by address, so confirm exact service with the utility.

When was ZIP 78503 tap water last tested?

The most recent test date used in this report is March 2024. EnviroClarity last refreshed this page on 2026-05-05.

Where can I find the official water quality report for ZIP 78503?

Every U.S. public water system is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Contact MCALLEN PUBLIC UTILITY or visit their website for the latest official report covering ZIP 78503. The EPA also maintains a national CCR locator.

Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)
Guideline source EPA drinking water standard (lithium: 10 µg/L)
Last tested March 2024
Last page update 2026-05-05

Check another ZIP code

    Nearby ZIP reports

    Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.

    Protect your water in McAllen → see certified filters