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Problems We Found In Killeen's Drinking Water

Problems We Found In Killeen's Drinking Water

Kezia Snipe | Hydroviv Research Analyst
**UPDATED 2/22/2022 to include latest Water Quality Data

For our assessment of Killeen tap water, we aggregated water quality test data from the City of Killeen, the water provider for Killeen, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we sell in Killeen are optimized with these issues in mind.

Source Of Killeen Drinking Water

The City of Killeen obtains its drinking water from Belton Lake, a surface water source located in Belton, Texas.

Lead in Killeen Drinking Water

Lead contamination in tap water is different from most pollutants, as lead comes from plumbing, not the water supply. However, this does not necessarily represent the lead levels at individual taps, and one sample tested exceeded the 15 ppb Action Level. EPA, CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recognize that there is no safe level of lead for children. In addition, Federal regulations cannot take into account levels measured at an individual tap.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Killeen Drinking Water

DBPs (including Haloacetic Acids-- HAA5s, and Trihalomethanes--TTHMs), are a category of emerging contaminants that are created when chlorine-based disinfectants added to the water supply combine with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not fully regulated, the EPA has explicitly stated that they are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. In 2020 the maximum level of trihalomethanes (TTHM) ranged from 39.9 ppb, with the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 80 ppb. The level of Haloacetic Acids were measured at 24 ppb, with a MCL of 60 ppb.

Use Of Chloramine In Killeen Tap Water

While many cities use chlorine as the primary disinfectant, Killeen’s water is disinfected with chloramine, made by combining chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine is the frequent problem when customers report a “bad taste” in their tap water, and unlike chlorine will not fade away if left in the fridge overnight. The recent chloramine residual for Killeen was 2.3 parts per million. Most one-size-fits-all water filters use filtration media that don’t adequately remove chloramine, but the filters that Hydroviv builds for Killeen use special filtration media that are purpose-built to remove chloramine as well.

Still Have Questions About Killeen’s Tap Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The chemicals that we list above are what we consider to be “points of emphasis” so we can build the best water filter for Killeen tap water, but all of our water filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, heavy metals [including lead], pharmaceuticals, solvents, pesticides, mercury).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Irvine tap water, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook.

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