Laredo – Texas – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Laredo’s Utilities Department manages a growing municipal water system serving over 256,000 residents within the city and surrounding areas. The system includes two water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 85 million gallons per day, approximately 754 miles of water lines, and multiple pump stations. Laredo draws 100% of its drinking water from the Rio Grande River through protected intake structures that feed directly to the adjacent water treatment facilities.
The City of Laredo owns approximately 62,009 acre-feet of municipal water rights, with an average daily consumption of around 36 million gallons and peak demand reaching nearly 59 million gallons. Laredo’s water system faces ongoing challenges with aging infrastructure, with over 30% of water lines exceeding their 50-year lifespan. Recent investments have focused on infrastructure modernization, treatment process improvements, and increasing system reliability in response to growing climate challenges including drought conditions and increasing water demand.
Laredo Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period showed 90th percentile lead levels of 2.89 parts per billion (ppb), well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, though individual homes may vary and one sample did exceed the action level in prior testing.
- Testing Scope: Laredo conducts extensive water quality tests throughout the distribution system, with increased monitoring following the October 2024 boil water notice caused by E. coli detection.
- Compliance Status: As of the latest quarter assessed (April-June 2024), Laredo’s water meets all federal and state drinking water standards, though the city is working to address aging infrastructure concerns.
Rio Grande Water Source
- Surface Water: 100% of Laredo’s water supply comes from the Rio Grande River, with water diverted through protected intake structures directly to adjacent treatment facilities.
- Water Rights: The city owns approximately 62,009 acre-feet of municipal water rights, sufficient for current needs but facing challenges during drought periods.
- Source Vulnerability: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) assessment indicates susceptibility to certain contaminants due to the nature of surface water sources, requiring comprehensive treatment.
Treatment Technology
- Dual Treatment Plants: Two water treatment facilities with a combined capacity of 85 million gallons per day utilize conventional treatment processes including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
- Chloramine Disinfection: Laredo uses chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) as its primary disinfectant, which provides longer-lasting protection throughout the distribution system.
- Real-time Monitoring: New systems provide continuous monitoring of chlorine and ammonia levels to maintain consistent water quality and reduce the risk of nitrification.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Pipeline Replacement: Following the October 2024 E. coli incident, the city has prioritized replacement of aging water mains, with approximately 30% of the system’s pipes exceeding their 50-year service life.
- Testing Site Network: Development of designated water testing sites throughout the city to improve monitoring and prevent future contamination issues.
- System Restructuring: The Utilities Department is undergoing restructuring with professional consultants to improve management practices and achieve superior water quality status.
Water Quality Initiatives
Laredo provides comprehensive water quality reporting through annual Consumer Confidence Reports and maintains public notification systems for any water emergencies. The city has recently implemented enhanced monitoring procedures to identify potential contamination sources faster, with particular focus on preventing E. coli and other bacterial intrusions. Recent testing has shown consistent water quality following remediation efforts after the October 2024 boil water notice. Laredo is actively working with state regulators to achieve superior water quality status, with expectations of reaching this goal in the near future. The city also maintains water conservation programs and educational initiatives to protect this vital resource in a drought-prone region.
Recommendations for Laredo Residents
Test Your Water
Request water testing through the Utilities Department by calling (956) 721-2000. Testing is especially important for homes built before 1986 which may have lead components in their plumbing.
Use Certified Filters
Install NSF-certified filters for drinking and cooking water that are rated for the specific contaminants of concern, such as lead (Standard 53) and disinfection byproducts.
Flush Your Pipes
If water has been sitting in pipes for 6+ hours, run cold water for 1-2 minutes before using for drinking or cooking. Always use cold water for consumption to minimize potential lead exposure.
Conserve Water
Follow Laredo’s water conservation guidelines, especially during drought periods. Limit lawn watering to designated days, fix leaks promptly, and install water-efficient fixtures to help preserve this vital resource.
Stay Informed
Sign up for emergency notifications through the city’s alert system. Follow the City of Laredo and Utilities Department on social media for updates on water quality, maintenance, and any advisories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laredo’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Laredo’s tap water currently meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water comes from the Rio Grande River and undergoes comprehensive treatment at two water treatment plants. Following the October 2024 E. coli incident that led to an 11-day boil water notice, the city has implemented enhanced monitoring and remediation efforts.
However, some contaminants of concern include disinfection byproducts that can form when chloramine disinfectant reacts with organic matter in the water. Recent testing showed levels below EPA limits but still present. In older homes, lead from plumbing may be a concern, though city-wide levels are well below action limits. For maximum safety, using NSF-certified filters for drinking water is recommended, especially in homes built before 1986.
What caused the October 2024 boil water notice?
In October 2024, Laredo issued a city-wide boil water notice lasting 11 days after E. coli bacteria was detected in the water system. Investigations identified several contributing factors:
1. Aging infrastructure with over 30% of water lines exceeding their 50-year service life
2. Potential illegal connections to the water system
3. Infrastructure vulnerabilities in central Laredo where the contamination was first detected
The city has since implemented an extensive remediation plan including system flushing, increased chlorine levels, and comprehensive testing. A consulting firm has been hired to provide interim management of the Utilities Department, and the city is developing a network of dedicated water testing sites for improved monitoring.
Why does Laredo use chloramine instead of just chlorine?
Laredo uses chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) as its primary disinfectant for several important reasons:
• Long-lasting protection: Chloramine remains effective longer throughout the distribution system, providing better protection against bacterial growth in Laredo’s extensive pipeline network
• Fewer disinfection byproducts: Chloramine typically produces fewer harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) than using chlorine alone, though some DBPs still form
• Distribution system stability: Chloramine provides more consistent disinfection throughout the system, especially important during hot weather
• Reduced taste and odor: Many people find chloramine has less noticeable taste and odor than chlorine, though some still detect it
Recent system upgrades include real-time monitoring of chlorine and ammonia levels to maintain optimal chloramine concentration and prevent nitrification issues in the water system.
Are there water restrictions in Laredo?
Laredo maintains water conservation measures that may change based on drought conditions and reservoir levels:
Standard Conservation Measures:
• Lawn watering limited to three days per week (nighttime only)
• Encouragement to use drought-resistant landscaping
• Recommendations to fix leaks promptly
• Request to use water-efficient appliances and fixtures
Drought Response:
During severe drought conditions, which the region experiences periodically, more stringent measures may be implemented including:
• Reduced lawn watering days (potentially down to once weekly)
• Prohibition of certain non-essential water uses
• Mandatory conservation targets
Current restrictions and conservation guidelines are available by contacting the Utilities Department at (956) 721-2000 or visiting the city website.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Form when chloramine disinfectant reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the Rio Grande water, including Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5s)
Health Effects: Potential increased risk of bladder cancer and reproductive effects with long-term exposure to elevated levels
Current Levels: Previous testing showed TTHM levels ranging from 33.9-105 ppb (exceeding the MCL of 80 ppb at times) and HAA5 levels between 12.7-48.9 ppb (below the MCL of 60 ppb)
Lead
Source: Not present in source water but can leach from plumbing in older homes, especially those built before 1986 when lead-containing materials were restricted
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, reduced IQ, learning difficulties, kidney problems, cardiovascular effects in adults
Current Levels: 90th percentile value of 2.89 ppb, below EPA action level of 15 ppb, but individual homes may vary
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