The United States Environmental Protection Agency ensures that every provider of drinking water is regulated so that their customers are protected from unsafe levels of contaminants. However, “legal” is not the same as “safe,” as levels of acceptable minerals in the population’s water changes with time.
Some of the emerging contaminants that need to be consistently monitored in Houston’s drinking water are Disinfection Byproducts, otherwise known as DBPs. These chemicals are associated with health risks like bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and nervous system issues. These were recently found to be elevated when tested for in the water supply.
Overall, the hardness of the water in Houston and the chloramine levels need to be consistently monitored, as they can change from year to year. The best course of action for any homeowner is to make the smart choice and invest in a high-quality water filtration system for the benefit of themselves and their house’s plumbing.