Water Quality Reports

Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst

For Hydroviv’s assessment of tap water in McAllen, TX, we aggregated water quality test data from McAllen Public Utility, 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 the scientific and medical literature, and delve into upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we offer at Hydroviv are optimized with these numbers in mind.

Sources Of McAllen Drinking Water

The sources of drinking water used by McAllen Public Utility are Surface Water and Ground Water. Water is received from the Falcon and Amistad Dams, located in Starr and Val Verde Counties, respectively. The water is transferred from the Rio Grande River by irrigation districts into reservoirs. 

Arsenic In McAllen 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. McAllen is in compliance with the EPA’s water quality standards but it’s important to point out that EPA’s standard balances the toxicity against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. The city’s most recent tap water quality report reported an average arsenic concentration up to 3 parts per billion. Hydroviv recommends that anyone with more than 1 part per billion take steps to remove arsenic from their water, especially if they have children.

Chromium 6 Levels In McAllen Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA. In recent years, the city’s tap water has averaged 7 parts per trillion for Chromium 6. These levels are well within compliance with federal standards but do carry risks of having negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In McAllen 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 McAllen 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 McAllen, 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 McAllen 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 Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

Recommended Articles For You
What Do I Need To Know About Arsenic In My Drinking Water
How Do I Remove Chromium 6 Contamination From My Drinking Water? 
Disinfection Byproducts In Your 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.

Please Share This Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

Recommended Articles For You
Why Does EPA Allow Toxic Chemicals In Drinking Water?
What Do I Need To Know About Disinfection Byproducts?

Emma Schultz, M.S.  |  Scientific Contributor
**Updated August 6, 2019 to include current data

For our Garland water report, we aggregated water quality test data from Garland Water Utilities, 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 Garland are optimized with these issues in mind.

Source Of Garland Drinking Water

Garland’s drinking water is surface water-sourced, and is purchased from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). Water is pumped from Lavon Lake, Jim Chapman Lake, Lake Tawakoni, Lake Texoma, and the East Fork Raw Water Supply Project. Water is treated at one of the NTMWD’s six water treatment plants before being distributed to the City of Garland. Water may be stored in one of eight ground storage tanks or three elevated storage tanks.

Lead In Garland Drinking Water

Lead enters into tap water through old lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures fail (such as recently seen in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into drinking water and can reach hazardous levels. A recent water quality analysis for Garland revealed a 90th percentile concentration of 3.88 parts per billion. While the Action Level is 15 parts per billion, both the EPA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recognize that there is no such thing as a safe level of lead for children. In addition, federal regulations cannot take into account levels measured at an individual tap.

Chromium 6 In Garland Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that, although monitored, is not regulated by the EPA. Garland’s tap water recently averaged 91.2 parts per trillion for chromium 6. These average levels are over 4 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Garland Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. While these chemicals are not well regulated, the EPA has stated they have an association with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. EPA regulates two categories of DBPs: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMS) and Haloacetic Acids 5 (HAA5). The average concentration of TTHMs is 36 parts per billion, and 25 parts per billion for HAA5. For a bit of perspective, the outdated Maximum Contaminant Level for TTHMs is 80 parts per billion and 60 parts per billion for HAA5.

Use Of Chloramine In Garland Tap Water

While most cities use chlorine as their primary disinfectant, the City of Garland’s water is disinfected with chloramine, produced by mixing chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine is primarily responsible for what customers report as the “bad taste” of tap water, and unlike chlorine this bad taste will not fade if a container of water is left in the fridge overnight. Most one-size-fits-all water filters use filtration media that doesn’t adequately remove chloramine, but the filters that Hydroviv builds for Garland use special filtration media that is purpose-built to remove chloramine as well.

In 2016, the running annual average for chloramines was 2.93 parts per million and the upper detected range was 4.2 parts per million, which is over the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) of 4.0 parts per million. It is important to note that while this is above the MRDL, it is not a violation.

Still Have Questions About Garland’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 Garland 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 Garland 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 Garland Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

Recommended Articles For You

What Do I Need To Know About Lead Contamination And Lead Poisoning?
How Do I Filter Chromium 6 From Drinking Water?
What Do I Need To Know About Disinfection Byproducts?
Are Whole House Filters A Waste Of Money?

**Updated May 3, 2021 to include EWG map
Emma Schultz, M.S.  |  Scientific Contributor

For our Lubbock water quality assessment, we aggregated water quality test data from the Lubbock Water Department, 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 Lubbock are optimized with these issues in mind.

Source Of Lubbock Drinking Water

Lubbock’s drinking water is a mixture of surface and groundwater. 58% of Lubbock drinking water comes from the Robert County Well Field, 19% from Lake Alan Henry, 13% from Bailey County Well Field, and 10% from Lake Meredith. Water from the Roberts County and Bailey County well fields is supplied from the Ogallala Aquifer. These four sources of water travel 65-160 miles to reach Lubbock.

PFAS In Lubbock Drinking Water

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances or PFAS are a category of chemicals found in various non-stick/stain resistant products, as well as fire fighting foam. PFAS are considered to be "emerging contaminants" because they are not currently regulated by EPA, but are known to be toxic, carcinogenic, and persistent in the environment. PFAS have been detected in at the former Reese Air Force Base. Most municipalities, including Lubbock, don't test for or remove PFAS from tap water, and most water filters are not designed to remove PFAS. If you'd like to find a water filter that removes PFAS from tap water, check out this Duke/NC State PFAS study.

Arsenic In Lubbock Drinking Water

Arsenic is a dangerous heavy metal known to cause cancer, among other health problems. Unlike lead which accumulates in distribution pipes, Arsenic originates in source water itself. While Lubbock's is in compliance with EPA standards, consumers should take note that the EPA standards for arsenic balances toxicity against the costs of removing it from drinking water. That being said, the standard is much higher than health experts would advise. According to the most recent report, the highest detected arsenic concentration in Lubbock drinking water is 2 parts per billion. We strongly encourage that tap water with more than 1 part per billion be treated to remove arsenic, especially if there are children in the home.

Lead In Lubbock Drinking Water

Lead enters consumer 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 the drinking water and can reach toxic levels. Recent analysis for lead in Lubbock found a 90th percentile concentration of less than 14 parts per billion, with an upper range detection of 41 parts per billion. While the Action Level is 15 parts per billion, both the EPA and CDC recognize that there is no such thing as a safe level of lead for children. In addition, federal regulations cannot possibly take into account levels measured at an individual tap. Hydroviv Undersink filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead from drinking water.

Chromium 6 In Lubbock Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that, while monitored, is not regulated by the EPA. Lubbock’s tap water quality recently averaged 932 parts per trillion for chromium 6. Average levels are 46 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Lubbock 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 well regulated, the EPA has concluded that they are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. DBPs in Lubbock’s tap water had a 2016 average of 49.4 parts per billion.

Use Of Chloramine In Lubbock Tap Water

While most cities use chlorine as the primary disinfectant, Lubbock's Drinking Water is disinfected with chloramine, which is produced by mixing chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine is primarily responsible for what many customers report as the “bad taste” of tap water, and unlike chlorine this bad taste will not fade if a container of water is left in the fridge overnight. Most one-size-fits-all water filters use filtration media that doesn’t adequately remove chloramine, but the filters that Hydroviv builds for Lubbock uses special filtration media that is purpose-built to remove chloramine as well.

In 2016, while the running annual average for chloramines was 2.9 ppm, the upper detected range was 4.4 ppm, which is over the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level of 4.0 ppm. It is important to note that this is not a violation.

Still Have Questions About Lubbock’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 Lubbock tap water, but all of our home water filtration systems 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 Lubbock 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.

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

Recommended Articles For You