Top contaminants found in Houston’s tap water:

Know what’s coming out of your faucet—and what you can do about it.

If you live in Houston and assume your water is safe because it’s “city-treated,” you’re not alone. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: even legally treated tap water can contain a cocktail of harmful contaminants.

In fact, several independent studies and reports have flagged multiple concerning substances in Houston’s tap water. Some are naturally occurring. Others come from industrial runoff, agricultural waste, or outdated infrastructure. But all of them raise valid health concerns.

Let’s break down the top contaminants commonly found in Houston’s water—what they are, how they affect you, and how to protect your family.

1. Chlorine and Chloramine

Why it’s there: Used by the city to disinfect water and kill bacteria.
The problem: These chemicals don’t just kill germs—they also dry out skin and hair, irritate the eyes and lungs, and can react with organic matter to form harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs).
What you can do: A whole-home carbon filtration system can significantly reduce chlorine levels and improve air quality during showers.

2. Lead

Why it’s there: Houston’s water itself is typically lead-free—but if your home has older pipes, lead can leach in from corroded plumbing.
The problem: Even trace amounts of lead are dangerous, especially for children and pregnant women. It can impair brain development, lower IQ, and increase risk of learning disorders.
What you can do: Reverse osmosis (R.O.) systems effectively remove lead from drinking water.

It’s especially important to have your water tested if your home was built before 1986.

3. PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

Why it’s there: PFAS enter the water supply through industrial waste, firefighting foam, and everyday products like stain-resistant fabrics and nonstick coatings.
The problem: These chemicals build up in your body over time and have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and fertility issues. They do not break down naturally.
What you can do: Use a combination of advanced carbon filtration and R.O. systems. Environmental ProTech custom-builds PFAS-targeting solutions based on Houston water profiles.

4. Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium-6)

Why it’s there: Often comes from industrial waste or naturally occurring in rocks and soil.
The problem: Linked to liver damage, reproductive issues, and cancer. It gained public attention from the Erin Brockovich case and is still legally present in tap water across the U.S.—including parts of Houston.
What you can do: R.O. systems are one of the only home solutions that reliably remove chromium-6 from your drinking water.

5. Nitrates and Nitrites

Why it’s there: Often come from agricultural fertilizer runoff and improperly treated sewage.
The problem: Nitrates can be especially dangerous for infants, causing a condition called “blue baby syndrome.”
What you can do: If you live near farmland or on a private well, testing is essential. A well-maintained R.O. system can reduce these risks significantly.

6. Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)

Why it’s there: When chlorine or chloramine reacts with organic matter in water, it forms byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).
The problem: These compounds are linked to bladder cancer, reproductive issues, and developmental defects.
What you can do: Carbon filtration can greatly reduce these byproducts across all faucets and showers.

7. Arsenic

Why it’s there: Naturally found in Texas groundwater and occasionally seeps into municipal water supplies.
The problem: Long-term exposure is linked to skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and multiple cancers.
What you can do: R.O. filtration removes arsenic effectively at the drinking water level.

Your Partner in Cleaner, Safer Water

At Environmental ProTech, we don’t guess—we test. Our free professional water test identifies exactly what’s in your Houston home’s tap water. From there, we design a custom water treatment system that eliminates these risks with surgical precision.

You’ll never be sold a system you don’t need—and you’ll always know your water is safe for your family.

What customers are saying:

PS. We have over 30 years experience in bringing clean water to the Houston Homeowners. Our reviews speak for themselves! If you want clean drinking water from your faucet, contact us at 281-495-4420 to schedule your free water test today.