78597
South Padre Island, TX
Cameron County · Brownsville-Harlingen, TX metro area
LAGUNA MADRE WATER DISTRICT

Is South Padre Island tap water safe to drink?

Higher concern
Last tested: March 2024
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data. Last tested March 2024.
Township:
  • East Cameron CCD, TX
Neighborhood:
  • South Padre Island

The short answer for South Padre Island

South Padre Island tap water has 3 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including lithium at 4.1× the limit (tested November 2023). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.

The health risk for South Padre Island

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, PFPeA above limit.
lithium concentration (µg/L) November 2023
0 µg/L 10 µg/L 50 µg/L
41.300 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
10 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
313% above limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 10 µg/L | Your water: 41.300 µg/L
Certified Filters for South Padre Island Tap Water

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

Water filter recommendation for South Padre Island 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.
Get the Epic Pure XP →
Most elevated compounds
Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium
Tested: November 2023 · Water Treatment Plant 1		 41.300 µg/L 10 µg/L 313% above limit
lithium
Tested: November 2023 · Water Treatment Plant 2		 41.200 µg/L 10 µg/L 312% above limit
PFPeA
Tested: November 2023 · Water Treatment Plant 1		 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 40% above limit
View all tested compounds

Water Treatment Plant 1 · Tested: November 2023

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium 41.300 µg/L 10 µg/L 313% above limit
PFPeA 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 40% above limit
PFBA 0.014 µg/L 6 µg/L 0.2% of limit
PFHxA 0.004 µg/L 3 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
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
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Water Treatment Plant 2 · Tested: Multiple dates

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium 41.200 µg/L 10 µg/L 312% above limit
PFBA 0.007 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 78597

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. Outlines appear when service-area boundary data is available for this ZIP.

Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP 78597 Tap Water

What contaminants are above EPA limits in ZIP 78597?

ZIP 78597 has 3 contaminants above EPA health guidelines in the latest available data, including lithium at 4.1x the EPA guideline. The full table on this page lists every tested compound and its measured level.

Will boiling ZIP 78597 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 78597?

Public records identify LAGUNA MADRE WATER DISTRICT as a primary water system associated with ZIP 78597. Service boundaries can vary by address, so confirm exact service with the utility.

When was ZIP 78597 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 78597?

Every U.S. public water system is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Contact LAGUNA MADRE WATER DISTRICT or visit their website for the latest official report covering ZIP 78597. 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 South Padre Island → see certified filters