Every year by July 1, BPUB publishes a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)—also known as the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. This report provides essential information about your drinking water, helping you make informed decisions about what you and your family consume.
The Consumer Confidence Report is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act and is mailed to all BPUB water customers annually.
What's in the Report?
The Consumer Confidence Report includes:
Water Source Information
Details about where your water comes from:
- Rio Grande River - Our primary surface water source
- Groundwater Wells - Supplemental supply from deep aquifer wells
- Source Water Assessment and Protection information
- Information about potential sources of contamination
Water Quality Test Results
Comprehensive testing data from the previous year:
- Detected Contaminants - All contaminants found, even if below regulatory limits
- Contaminant Levels - Actual measurements compared to Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)
- Health Effects - Explanation of what each contaminant means for your health
- Likely Sources - Where contaminants come from (natural or man-made)
BPUB tests for over 100 different contaminants throughout the year, including:
- Microbiological contaminants (bacteria, viruses)
- Inorganic contaminants (metals, minerals)
- Organic contaminants (pesticides, industrial chemicals)
- Radioactive contaminants
- Disinfectants and disinfection byproducts
Regulatory Compliance Status
Verification that BPUB meets all drinking water standards:
- EPA Standards - Compliance with federal Safe Drinking Water Act
- TCEQ Requirements - Meeting Texas state regulations
- Violation Information - Any violations and corrective actions taken (if applicable)
- Health Advisory Levels - Comparison to EPA health advisory guidelines
Important: BPUB consistently meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards.
Educational Information
Helpful context about your drinking water:
- Contaminant Education - Why certain substances appear in drinking water
- Vulnerable Populations - Special considerations for immunocompromised individuals
- Water Treatment Process - How we treat and disinfect your water
- Water Conservation Tips - Ways to save water and reduce your bill
- Contact Information - How to get more information or ask questions
Lead and Copper Testing Results
Special section dedicated to lead and copper monitoring:
- Samples collected from customer taps (homes with lead plumbing risk)
- 90th percentile results for lead and copper levels
- Action levels and health effects of lead exposure
- Steps you can take to reduce lead in your water
Learn more about Lead and Copper Rule compliance.
Understanding Your Water Quality Data
Key Terms Explained
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) | The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set by EPA and ensure water is safe to drink. |
| MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal) | The level of a contaminant at which there is no known health risk. MCLGs are non-enforceable goals. |
| AL (Action Level) | The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements. |
| ppm (parts per million) | Equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L). One part per million corresponds to one minute in two years. |
| ppb (parts per billion) | Equivalent to micrograms per liter (µg/L). One part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years. |
| NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) | Measurement of water clarity. Lower values indicate clearer water. |
| ND (Not Detected) | Laboratory analysis found no measurable amount of the contaminant. |
How to Read the Data Tables
- Contaminant Name - The substance tested for
- Highest Level Detected - The maximum amount found in any sample
- Range - The lowest to highest levels found
- MCL or AL - The regulatory limit
- MCLG - The health goal
- Likely Source - Where the contaminant comes from
- Violation - Whether we exceeded limits (typically "No")
Special Considerations
Information for Vulnerable Populations
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population:
- Immunocompromised individuals (cancer patients, organ transplant recipients)
- People living with HIV/AIDS
- Elderly individuals
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant women
If you fall into one of these categories, you may want to seek advice about drinking water from your healthcare provider. EPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provide guidelines at:
- EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791
- CDC Water Quality: www.cdc.gov/healthywater
Lead in Drinking Water
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.
BPUB is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in home plumbing components.
When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some contaminants appear in my water?
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk.
Sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled) include:
- Surface water - Rivers, lakes, reservoirs (may contain contaminants from runoff, wildlife, human activity)
- Groundwater - Wells, aquifers (may contain naturally occurring minerals, agricultural/industrial chemicals)
More information about contaminants and their health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
How do I get a printed copy of the CCR?
The Consumer Confidence Report is automatically mailed to all BPUB water customers by July 1 each year. If you did not receive your copy or need an additional copy:
- Call us at (956) 983-6300 to request a mailed copy
- Visit our office at 1425 Robinhood Dr, Brownsville, TX 78521
- Download online from this page (see reports above)
Spanish language versions are also available upon request.
What if I want more information than what's in the CCR?
The CCR provides a summary of water quality data. For more detailed information:
- Contact our Water Quality Team at (956) 983-6100
- Request specific test results from our Analytical Laboratory
- Attend BPUB Board meetings - Public meetings held monthly (see Meetings page)
- View TCEQ database - Drinking Water Watch provides additional compliance data
Can I get my home's water tested?
BPUB's Analytical Laboratory focuses on system-wide testing for regulatory compliance. For concerns about water quality at your specific location:
BPUB Can:
- Dispatch a Water Quality Specialist to investigate concerns
- Collect samples from the water main or meter
- Test for standard parameters if needed
For Private Testing: If you want testing of your internal plumbing, we can provide a list of TCEQ-certified private laboratories. Contact us at (956) 983-6300 for recommendations.
Does the CCR cover all water quality issues?
The CCR focuses on regulated contaminants tested under EPA and TCEQ requirements. It may not include:
- Aesthetic issues (taste, odor, color) that don't pose health risks
- Individual plumbing issues
- Unregulated emerging contaminants (unless voluntarily tested)
For other water quality concerns not covered in the CCR, see our Water Quality Concerns Guide or contact our Water Quality team.
Additional Resources
EPA Safe Drinking Water Information
Federal drinking water standards and health information
Learn moreTCEQ Drinking Water Watch
Texas public water system database and compliance information
Learn moreCDC Drinking Water Resources
Health information about drinking water safety
Learn moreWater Quality Concerns Guide
Troubleshoot common water quality issues
Learn moreQuestions or Concerns?
If you have questions about the Consumer Confidence Report or your water quality:
Water Quality Team Phone: (956) 983-6100 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Emailwaterquality@brownsville-pub.com
Report Water Quality IssuesSubmit concern online