Midland County, Texas: drinking water report. Midland County is the economic center of the Permian Basin, with about 171,000 residents.
Midland County is the economic center of the Permian Basin, with about 171,000 residents. Like its twin city Odessa in neighboring Ector County, Midland faces water scarcity as its primary challenge. The city draws from a blend of Ogallala Aquifer groundwater and surface water purchased from the Colorado River Municipal Water District. Oil and gas production surrounds the community in every direction.
Midland's water is extremely hard, with total dissolved solids routinely exceeding 800 mg/L. According to TCEQ's 2024 consumer confidence report, the Midland water system's TDS averaged 920 mg/L – nearly double the secondary standard of 500 mg/L. Residents regularly report mineral buildup on fixtures and a brackish taste.
The density of oil and gas operations creates unique contamination risks. A 2024 Texas Railroad Commission enforcement report documented 8 spill incidents in Midland County involving produced water or drilling fluid, any of which can contaminate shallow aquifers. The Midland International Air & Space Port has confirmed AFFF use, and TCEQ's 2024 PFAS sampling found PFOS at 6 ppt in nearby monitoring wells.
Midland's high-TDS water is not a health threat at current levels, but the mineral content shortens appliance life and makes the water unpalatable for many residents. For drinking water quality, treatment at the tap makes a real difference.
Check your water for current data. Reverse osmosis is the go-to solution for high-TDS water and addresses PFAS at the same time. Our water filter guide covers systems built for hard, mineral-heavy water. Get your detailed report for trends, and visit our Texas page for statewide patterns.