Toxic Water
A serious public health crisis in Texas prisons.
Clean, safe drinking water is a basic human necessity. Yet concerns about water quality in Texas prisons have been raised for years by incarcerated people, advocates, and investigative reporting.​
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TDCJ facilities have received water-related citations over the years, and people incarcerated in multiple units have described water that is discolored, foul-smelling, or contains visible sediment. Because incarcerated people cannot choose another water source, they must rely on the water available for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
Reports and testing have identified concerns including heavy metals and bacterial contamination at some facilities or their water systems, highlighting the need for greater transparency, oversight, and timely remediation.
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TPCA works to document these conditions, educate the public, and advocate for safe, reliable water for every person incarcerated in Texas.
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Common reported concerns
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Heavy metals (including lead, arsenic, and copper)
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Bacterial contamination
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Aging infrastructure and water system failures
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Water discoloration, odor, and sediment
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Limited access to safe alternative drinking water
“I would never drink the water at the tap,” said Don Aldaco, a recently paroled man who spent 24 years in various TDCJ facilities. “I would always get a piece of a sheet, and I would tie it on the actual spigot, like a filter. I would have to change it like every other day because of all the rust and all the crud coming out.
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Safe Drinking Water Is a Basic Human Right
Yet access to safe drinking water is not guaranteed in many Texas prisons. Many Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facilities have been found to have contaminated water sources, exposing incarcerated people to dangerous substances like lead, arsenic, and harmful bacteria. Despite ongoing complaints, hazardous conditions continue. When safe water is unavailable, the health consequences can be severe.
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“I would never drink the water at the tap,” said Don Aldaco, a recently paroled man who spent 24 years in various TDCJ facilities. “I would always get a piece of a sheet, and I would tie it on the actual spigot, like a filter. I would have to change it like every other day because of all the rust and all the crud coming out. "
Why it matters
Unsafe water affects nearly every aspect of daily life.
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Potential impacts include:
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Exposure to heavy metals and harmful contaminants
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Increased risk of waterborne illness
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Chronic gastrointestinal and digestive issues
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Limited ability to stay hydrated, especially during extreme summer heat
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Reduced trust in prison infrastructure and healthcare
For people already living in prisons without air conditioning, concerns about water quality become even more urgent.
Common Water Quality Concerns
Investigations and reports have identified concerns including:
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Heavy Metals
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Lead
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Arsenic
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Copper
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Bacterial Contamination
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Coliform bacteria
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Legionella
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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
Several prison units also rely on aging plumbing, well water, or outdated treatment systems that may increase contamination risks.
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Our Policy Priorities
TPCA supports reforms that include:
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Immediate Actions
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Provide bottled or filtered water whenever contamination is detected or suspected.
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Ensure access to safe drinking water during boil notices.
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Install filtered water stations in common areas.
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Expand access to safe water filtration options.
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Improve grievance processes for environmental health concerns.
Long-Term Reforms
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Conduct comprehensive independent testing across all TDCJ facilities.
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Publish regular water quality reports that are accessible to the public.
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Test for heavy metals, bacteria, and waterborne illnesses on a routine basis.
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Replace or repair aging water infrastructure.
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Increase oversight and accountability for noncompliant facilities.
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Improve transparency around environmental health conditions within Texas prisons.
Research & Resources
Explore our growing collection of research and advocacy materials.
An Investigation of Water Quality in Texas Department of Criminal Justice Facilities (2019–2023)
An Investigation of Water Quality in Texas Department of Criminal Justice Facilities (2019–2023)
Get informed on the issue of toxic water in TDCJ facilities.
What are people in TDCJ drinking?
Problematic TDCJ Units
Take Action
Clean and safe drinking water is not a privilege! it is a basic human necessity.
You can help by:
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Sharing this information with others
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Making a donation to support ongoing investigations and public education