Is Houston Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Quick Summary: Houston’s tap water meets safety standards but contains contaminants exceeding health guidelines, including arsenic, chromium-6, PFAS, and lead. Aging infrastructure, industrial runoff, and disinfection byproducts contribute to water quality concerns. Culligan of Houston offers solutions like Reverse Osmosis systems and Whole House Water Filters to reduce harmful contaminants and improve water safety.
Houston’s tap water meets all federal and state safety standards, but there are still several contaminants present that exceed health guidlines. Understanding what’s in your water and how Culligan of Houston can help is essential for keeping your household safe.
Contaminants in Houston’s Tap Water
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), several contaminants found in Houston’s tap water exceed their health guidelines. These include:
- Arsenic
- Chromium-6
- Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
- Nitrate
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
- Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
For a full list of contaminants exceeding EWG guidelines, click here.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally occurring contaminant that can enter the water supply from natural deposits or agricultural and industrial runoff. Houston’s water exceeds EWG health guidelines by 516x. Prolonged exposure to arsenic, even at low concentrations, has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes
Chromium-6
Chromium-6 is a toxic metal not currently regulated by the EPA but has been detected in Houston’s water. According to the EWG, levels are 34x higher than their guideline determines as what is considered safe, posing potential health risks.
PFAS – “Forever Chemicals”
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been identified in the Dallas-Fort Worth water supply. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and human body, leading to potential health risks. Both Dallas and Fort Worth have reported PFAS concentrations exceeding the EPA’s newly established limits. In Texas, 113 systems, including the Houston area, detected PFAS, with nearly 50 systems exceeding limits, according to the Texas Tribune. Public systems have three years to complete monitoring and must inform the public of PFAS levels.
Thankfully there is a solution to PFAS in your water. Culligan Whole House Water Filters can reduce PFOS and PFOA by 99% at levels up to 1,500 parts-per-trillion (ppt) to <1 ppt. Certified to NSF/ANSI 58 Total PFAS-2022 set by the WQA (Water Quality Association). Other systems only have NSF 58 PFOA and PFOS certification and reduce to <70 ppt.
Lead in Houston Water
Lead contamination can be a concern for some Houston residents, particularly those living in older homes with lead pipes or plumbing fixtures, according to Houston Public Works. While Houston’s municipal water supply itself is treated and distributed with measures in place to prevent lead contamination, lead can still leach into drinking water through aging pipes, solder, and faucets. This is especially true in areas where water lines are corroded or not properly maintained. Lead exposure is a serious health risk, particularly for children and pregnant women, as it can affect brain development and cause other adverse health effects. Testing your water and using filtration solutions, such as Culligan’s Reverse Osmosis systems, can significantly reduce lead levels and provide you with safer drinking water.
What Impacts Houston’s Water Quality?
Houston’s water quality can be affected by various factors, including:
- Infrastructure Age and Condition
- Corroded Pipes: Older pipes can leach metals like lead and copper into the water supply.
- Maintenance: Regular infrastructure upgrades are essential to prevent contamination.
- Source Water Quality
- Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides, herbicides, and other contaminants can enter the water supply.
- Industrial Discharges: Local industries can contribute pollutants to nearby water bodies.
- Water Treatment Processes
- Disinfection Byproducts: Chloramine disinfection can create harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).
- Environmental Factors
- Stormwater Runoff: Heavy rains can introduce pollutants and sediments into water sources.
- Private Well Contamination
- Well water can be contaminated by nitrates, heavy metals, and bacteria. Regular testing is essential.
Understanding Houston’s Water Sources
Houston sources its drinking water from both surface water and groundwater. Approximately 85% of the water supply comes from surface water sources, including Lake Houston, Lake Livingston, and Lake Conroe, while the remaining 15% is sourced from over 40 groundwater wells. The City of Houston’s Public Works Department oversees water treatment, employing advanced processes like chloramine disinfection.
How Can I Make My Water Safe to Drink?
It can be unsettling to learn about potential contaminants in your tap water. Thankfully, Culligan of Houston offers effective solutions to provide your family with cleaner, safer water.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective at eliminating contaminants like lead, PFAS, arsenic, and other harmful substances. RO systems go beyond standard filtration to provide pure, great-tasting water.
Whole House Water Filters
Culligan’s Whole House Water Filters are designed to combat common water issues, including hard water, iron, sulfur, and other contaminants that affect taste, odor, and quality.
Want to know exactly what’s in your water? Schedule a free at-home water test with Culligan of Houston to receive a detailed report on your tap water’s contaminants and personalized recommendations for cleaner, safer water. Take the first step toward improving your water quality today!
