Is Austin Tap Water Safe To Drink?

Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.

Tap water in Austin, Texas, is generally safe to drink. Austin Water treats and tests its water to meet or exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Texas drinking water standards.

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Water Sources
Drinking Fountains

Water quality can be affected by household plumbing, especially older fixtures or lead service lines. Follow any temporary boil-water notice issued by Austin Water, and use cold tap water for drinking and cooking.

Last checked: 2026-08-31

United States is ranked as number 9 globally with a score of 96.4% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.

Source of Water in Austin, United States

Austin’s tap water comes from the Colorado River, which is stored in lakes Travis and Austin. The Austin Water utility treats this surface water at the Ullrich and Handcox water treatment plants.

After treatment, the water flows through Austin’s distribution system to homes and businesses. The treatment process removes sediment, microorganisms, and other contaminants to meet federal and state drinking water standards.

Austin Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains in Austin are generally safe to use because they are supplied by treated municipal water that must meet federal and Texas drinking water standards. Regularly maintained fountains provide the same regulated tap water delivered to homes and businesses.

Avoid a fountain if it is visibly dirty, damaged, stagnant, or marked out of service. Let the water run briefly before drinking, especially if the fountain has not been used recently.

Drinking Water Map

Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Austin. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions. For easy access on the go, download our iOS app to find water fountains nearby.

About the Author

Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.

I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.

Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job, it's something I truly care about.

Disclaimer

* The information provided on this website regarding the safety of tap water in Austin is sourced from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), local water authorities, and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) from Yale University. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, it's important to note that water quality can vary over time and may be subject to factors beyond our control. Users are encouraged to verify the current water quality status with local authorities or consult additional resources before making decisions regarding water consumption. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided on this website.