Water Quality Reports

Update/Editor's Note: On November 27, 2017 we were contacted by the Portland Water Bureau's. They asked us to clarify a couple of things:

1. That any lead found in residents' water came from the home's plumbing, not from the water supply. 
2. That an "exceedance" of a regulation is not the same as being "out of compliance." We have changed the word in the original article to reflect the legal technicality.
3. To include information saying that "Concerned customers can order a free lead-in-water test kit from the LeadLine at 503-988-4000 or multco.us/health/lead-poisoning-prevention."

Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst

For Hydroviv’s assessment of Portland's tap and drinking water, we aggregated water quality test data from Portland Water Bureau, the city’s water provider, and 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 scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we build for people who live in Portland are optimized with these figures in mind.

Source Of Portland Drinking Water

Portland’s drinking water system delivers water from two sources — the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field — to almost one million people in Portland and surrounding communities.

Lead Levels In Portland Drinking Water

Portland, Oregon has a lead problem. There's no way around it. In early November of this year, the city announced that it was in exceedance of the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). More than 13% of the taps sampled for lead in Portland's water exceeded 15 parts per billion. This is an exceedance of the federal rule, and the municipal water provider aims to have a new treatment plan in place by 2022. For reference, the American Academy Of Pediatrics urges legal changes to remediate any school/childcare water fountain that produces water over 1 part per billion. In the meantime, we strongly urge all Portland residents whose home was built before 1986 to filter their home's water for lead.

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Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst
**Updated July 17, 2019 to include current data

We've updated our assessment of Dallas drinking water to include the most recent data 2019 from the Dallas Water Utilities. We also used information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We then cross reference these regulatory data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature. Hydroviv builds and sells water filters that are optimized to remove contaminants in Dallas, Texas.

Dallas Source Water

The city of Dallas uses source water entirely from surface water sources. The seven different sources include: the Elm Fork of the Trinity River and lakes Ray Roberts, Lewisville, Grapevine, Ray Hubbard, Tawakoni and Fork. As is the case with any surface water source, these lakes and rivers can become contaminated by any polluter within the watershed (e.g. gas stations, industrial sites). For those proficient with GIS, you can view the potential sources of contamination identified by the municipality and state as part of the source water assessment program.

Chromium 6 Contamination In Dallas Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is an extremely toxic metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA. In recent years, Dallas tap water has averaged 275 parts per trillion for Chromium 6. For the sake of perspective, the average level reported is roughly 13 times higher than the concentration determined to have negligible impact on cancer risk.

Lead In Dallas Drinking Water

Lead can enter tap water quality through older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures put in place by the municipality fail (like what recently happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into the drinking water, and can reach dangerous levels. According to this years report, the 90th percentile value was 0 parts per billion. We encourage Dallas residents (particularly those who live in older buildings (pre-1986) to take steps to remove lead from drinking water because EPA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all acknowledged that there is no safe level of lead.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Dallas Tap Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Because Dallas disinfects its water with chlorine to protect against waterborne illness, it's no surprise that disinfection byproducts are present in the water. Although regulation for these chemicals is loose, and the toxicology is not yet well-understood, EPA has acknowledged that some disinfection byproducts are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Chlorine In Dallas Tap Water

Like most other large municipalities in the U.S., Dallas' water is injected with chlorine to protect against waterborne illness. While not typically considered to be harmful on its own, Hydroviv's Dallas users rave about how much better their water tastes when they use a properly designed water filter.

Still Have Questions About Dallas 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 design and build the best water filter for Dallas tap water, but all of our water filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, lead, solvents, pesticides, mercury).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Dallas tap water quality, 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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Emma Schultz, M.S.  |  Scientific Contributor

For our assessment of Greensboro's tap and drinking water, we aggregated water quality test data from the Greensboro Water Resources Department, the water provider for Greensboro, and 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 Greensboro are optimized with these issues in mind.

Source Of Greensboro Drinking Water

Greensboro’s tap and drinking water comes from surface water from three watersheds reservoirs. There are two treatment plants; the Townsend Water Treatment Plant is located northeast of Greensboro and processes water from Lake Townsend, while the Mitchell Water Treatment Plant is located in central Greensboro and treats water from Lake Brandt. The third reservoir, Lake Higgins, is used to refill Lake Brandt as water resources demand. All three lakes are located in northern Guilford County, within a protected watershed of the Cape Fear River Basin. Additional water is received from the Randleman Lake via the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority.

Lead In Greensboro Drinking Water

Lead is added to Greensboro's drinking water through contact with older lead service pipes and through lead plumbing. When corrosion control measures fail, as recently occurred in Flint, Michigan, lead leaches into the drinking water, and can reach hazardous levels. Recent analysis for lead in Greensboro's water found 90% of sampled concentrations below 3 parts per billion. While 98.15% of tested residences were below the Action Level of 15 ppb, and Greensboro is in compliance with all federal regulations, federal regulations can of course not account for levels measured at an individual’s tap. It should be noted that both the EPA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics have recognized that there is no such thing as a safe level of lead.

Chromium 6 In Greensboro Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a hazardous metal that is not yet regulated by the EPA. In 2016, Greensboro's water quality averaged 110 parts per trillion for chromium 6. While not regulated, these levels are over 5 times higher than the minimum concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Greensboro Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that are produced when chlorine-based disinfectants are added to the water supply and then combine with naturally-occurring organic matter. These chemicals, while not regulated thoroughly, have been found by the EPA to associate with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. The tap water in Greensboro has recently had moderate levels of DBPs, with a 2016 average of 73 parts per billion (with an average of 45 ppb coming from trihalomethanes).

Use Of Chloramine In Greensboro Tap Water

Although most cities use chlorine as their primary disinfectant, Greensboro’s water is disinfected with chloramine, produced by mixing chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine is the primary culprit for what customers often report as the “bad taste” of tap water, and unlike chlorine will not dissipate if left in the fridge overnight. Most one-size-fits-all water filters use filtration media that doesn’t successfully removing chloramine, but the filters that Hydroviv builds for Greensboro's water use special filtration media that are specifically built to remove chloramine as well.

Still Have Questions About Greensboro'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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro 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.

Please Share This City of Greensboro Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

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Emma Schultz, M.S.  |  Scientific Contributor
**Updated May 28, 2021 to include current data

For our city of Henderson water quality report, we aggregated water quality test data from the City of Henderson and the Southern Nevada Water Authority, a water provider for Henderson, and 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 Henderson are optimized with these issues in mind.

Source Of Henderson Drinking Water

Henderson’s tap water is primarily surface water-based and originates in the Colorado River, before reaching Lake Mead. The City of Henderson’s Water Treatment Plant accounts for 15% of the city’s drinking water. The remaining water comes from the Southern Nevada Water Authority, from either the Alfred Merritt Smith Water Treatment Facility or the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility. 10% of the water sourced each year comes from a deep groundwater aquifer located below the Las Vegas Valley.

Arsenic In Henderson Drinking Water

Arsenic is a hazardous heavy metal known to cause cancer, and other health problems. Arsenic originates in source water. While Henderson is in compliance with EPA water quality standards, consumers should know that the EPA's standard balances toxicity against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. Henderson’s most recent tap water quality report listed average arsenic concentrations of 2 parts per billion. We highly recommend that tap water with more than 1 part per billion be treated to remove arsenic, especially in homes with children.

Lead In Henderson Drinking Water

Lead enters tap water through old lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures fail (such as recently happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into drinking water, and reaches toxic levels. A recent city of Henderson water quality report revealed a 90th percentile concentration of 1.6 parts per billion, with samples ranging up to 3.7 ppb. EPA and CDC recognize that there is no such thing as a safe level of lead. And of course, federal regulations cannot take into account levels measured at an individual tap.

Chromium 6 In Henderson Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a very toxic metal that is not highly regulated by the EPA. Henderson’s tap water recently averaged 57 parts per trillion for chromium 6. These levels are nearly 3 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Henderson Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that are created when chlorine-based disinfectants are added to the water supply to protect it, but then subsequently combine with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not fully regulated, 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. Henderson’s tap water has recently had moderately high levels of DBPs, with a 2020 average of 99 parts per billion.

Use Of Chlorine In Henderson Tap Water

As with many cities in the United States, Henderson adds chlorine to its water supply to keep consumers safe from waterborne illness. While not considered exceedingly harmful, many people find that when they remove the chlorine from their water supply, they quickly notice an improvement in taste and odor. When you choose to filter your tap water, we believe you will notice an immediate taste enhancement.

Still Have Questions About Henderson'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 Henderson 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 the City of Henderson 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.

Please Share This City of Henderson Water Quality Report On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

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Analies Dyjak, M.A.  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst
**Updated March 2, 2022 to include current data

Our Water Nerds updated our assessment of Long Beach, California drinking water to include the most current data. Our team has aggregated water quality test data from Long Beach Water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and internal data that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature. With this information, we're able to build a filter that is optimized to remove contaminants in Long Beach drinking water.

Source Of Long Beach Drinking Water

Long Beach drinking water comes from both surface and groundwater sources. 58% is supplied from local groundwater wells in the Long Beach and Lakewood area. The remaining 42% is imported surface water from the Colorado River. This surface water is delivered through the Colorado River Aqueduct, originating at Lake Havasu.

Arsenic In Long Beach Drinking Water

Arsenic is a toxic metal that is known to cause cancer and other health issues. Unlike lead, which distributes into water from plumbing, arsenic comes from the source water itself. Although the city of Long Beach is in compliance with EPA water quality standards, but it's important to acknowledge that EPA standards for arsenic balances the toxicity against the costs of removing it from drinking water. According to the most recent report, the highest concentration detected in Long Beach drinking water is 2.5 parts per billion. Hydroviv recommends that anyone with more than 1 part per billion take steps to remove arsenic from their water.

Lead In Long Beach Drinking Water

Lead enters tap water through older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures put in place by the municipality fail (like what recently happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into the drinking water, and can reach dangerous levels. Homes built before 1986 were most likely built using lead pipes and plumbing. The EPA, CDC, and American Academy of Pediatrics, all acknowledge that there is no safe level of lead for children.

Chromium 6 In Long Beach Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that is not regulated by the EPA. In recent years, the concentration of chromium 6 in Long Beach tap water averaged 63 parts per trillion. This level is 3 times higher than the concentration determined to have negligible impact on cancer risk. California tried to set a Public Health Goal (PHG) of 20 parts per trillion for chromium 6 in drinking water. After a lawsuit in 2017, the PHG was redacted because municipality were unable to meet the standards.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Long Beach Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not currently regulated very well, the EPA has admitted that they are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Still Have Questions About Long Beach Drinking Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Long Beach, but all of our our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants (including lead).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Long Beach tap water, or just have questions about water quality in general, 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. We pride ourselves in being a reputable source of information on water quality, and your questions will be answered by scientists, not salespeople (we don't have any salespeople).

Please Share This City of Long Beach Water Quality Report On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!