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In a city renowned for its space center, Houston thrives in the world of research and medicine. Not only do tourists come to visit NASA’s mission control center, but patients also flock to the world’s largest medical complex, Texas Medical Center. With the influx of people coming into Houston on top of those who already live there, the Houston water system provides water to over 2.4 million people (1). With so many people consuming their water, it is vital to ensure the water is up to standard.
Houston’s water supply does so much more than bring water to the downtown Houston area. In fact, it covers 600 square miles and four counties, making it “one of the most complex water systems in the nation” (2). Houston utilizes both surface and ground water sources, with 86.5% of its water coming from the San Jacinto River and Trinity River. The other 13.5% of their water is drawn from a series of wells throughout the counties (1).
According to both federal and state regulations, Houston water is safe to drink. The city meets or exceeds all standards set in place by both domains, and they are vigilant in monitoring unregulated contaminants, as well (2).
Some people believe that the distinct taste of Houston water is due to dangerous contaminants, but this is not the case. Naturally occurring compounds in the water, like geosmin and MIB, are responsible for the taste, but they do not pose a threat to human health (3). The water in Houston is rated moderately hard, meaning that the water has a higher mineral content than pure water. Hard water affects the water’s taste and color, as well as can lead to corroded pipes. That being said, hard water is still safe to drink (4).
Despite all standards being met, some people choose to take extra precautions when it comes to their water. Federal and state standards still allow small traces of contaminants into the water, but for those who prefer to completely eliminate contaminants from water, below are a few potentially harmful contaminants still found in Houston tap water.
Arsenic is an element that can be found naturally in the earth’s crust. In its natural form, arsenic is highly toxic. Erosion of natural deposits, industrial runoff, and runoff from orchards are just some of the ways that arsenic can enter the water supply. Exposure to arsenic is known to cause cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. While currently there are no known health effects to low level arsenic exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to research the subject and weigh the costs and benefits of completely removing arsenic from a water source.
Low levels of arsenic are currently present in Houston water. While the ideal goal for arsenic levels in water is 0, the highest level allowed by the EPA is set at 10 parts per billion (1). Testing shows that arsenic levels in Houston range from 0 to 5.2 parts per billion, with an average detection of 1.6 parts per billion.
Uranium is a radioactive element that also occurs naturally in the environment. Low levels of uranium can be found in the soil and water, and uranium can be extracted from certain rocks that contain the element (5). Groundwater sources in Texas are known to contain naturally occurring uranium. Drinking water that is over the EPA set limit can increase the risk of cancer or kidney damage, but low level uranium exposure is still being researched (6).
Like arsenic, the goal would be that no uranium is in the water supply. However, the EPA’s maximum contaminant level for uranium is set at 30 parts per billion. In Houston, uranium detection ranges from 0 to 19.8 parts per billion, with the average detection level being 3.8 parts per billion (1).
Total trihalomethanes, or TTHMs, are substances that are created as a result of adding chlorine to a water supply. While chlorine does effectively disinfect water and remove bacteria from the supply, the byproducts created are TTHMs. TTHMs are thought to be carcinogenic, and TTHM exposure has been linked to liver, kidney, and colon cancer.
The EPA asserts that no more than 80 parts per billion of TTHMs should be detected within a one year period. In Houston, the detected range is from 0 to 67 parts per billion, with the average detection being 47 parts per billion.
Because Houston water contains small amounts of chemical, inorganic, and radiological contaminants, it can be difficult to find a water filter lab-tested to remove such a wide range of contaminants. Be sure to research any water filter you consider investing in to see the specific contaminants it filters out. For a “one stop shop” of a water filter, consider Seychelle’s Radiological Water Pitcher. This water pitcher can convert tap water into pure water, removing 99.99% of chemical contaminants like TTHMs, inorganic contaminants like arsenic, and radiological contaminants like uranium.
Houston water meets or exceeds all state and federal requirements for safe drinking water. Despite a large and complex water system, the city ensures their water is tested frequently and remains up to par with water standards. That being said, some people choose to filter their Houston water to remove any lasting contaminants, including arsenic, uranium, and TTHMs, from their water. To be fully confident in the quality of the water you’re drinking, shop Seychelle.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Houston?
Yes. Houston’s water meets all state and federal regulations.
Why does Houston water taste different?
Houston’s water is rated moderately hard, and the minerals in hard water can affect the taste.
Where does Houston’s drinking water come from?
Over 85% of Houston’s water comes from the San Jacinto River and Trinity River. The rest of its water comes from wells.
References
Houston Public Works,https://www.houstonpublicworks.org/sites/g/files/nwywnm456/files/doc/003-2023_water_quality_report_updated.pdf
Houston Public Works,https://www.houstonpublicworks.org/drinking-water-operations
Houston Public Works,https://www.houstonpublicworks.org/houston-water-safe-to-drink
Houston Water Solutions,https://www.houstonwatersolutions.net/facts-about-hard-water/
U.S. Department of Energy,https://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-fuel-facts-uranium#:~:text=Uranium%20occurs%20naturally%20in%20low,valuable%20uranium%20from%20the%20ore.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality,https://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/chemicals/radionuclides
