You expect chlorine in your water because it keeps it safe from bacteria and disease. But what most Houston homeowners don’t realize is that chlorine can create something less talked about but equally important to understand.

They’re called disinfection byproducts, or DBPs, and they form when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter during the water treatment process. While they’re regulated and usually found in small amounts, long-term exposure to DBPs can raise health concerns, especially for families who drink unfiltered tap water daily.

How DBPs Form in Houston Water

When chlorine is added to disinfect water, it reacts with organic materials like decaying leaves, plant matter, and even tiny bits of soil or sediment. The result of that chemical reaction is a group of compounds known as disinfection byproducts.

The most common DBPs include:

Trihalomethanes (THMs)
Haloacetic acids (HAAs)

Houston’s water treatment system does an excellent job keeping these levels within regulatory limits, but because these byproducts form during disinfection itself, they can’t be avoided completely.

The Long-Term Health Concerns

DBPs have been studied for decades, and while the levels in treated water are generally considered safe, long-term exposure has been linked to potential health risks.

Research suggests possible associations with:

Increased risk of certain cancers
Reproductive and developmental issues
Liver and kidney stress with prolonged exposure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set limits on DBPs to minimize these risks, but many families choose to go further by filtering their water at home especially when it comes to what they drink and cook with every day.

Why Houston Uses Chloramines Instead

To reduce DBP formation, Houston has moved toward using chloramines, a blend of chlorine and ammonia. Chloramines are more stable and produce fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine alone.

However, they come with their own challenges:

Weaker disinfectant power compared to chlorine
Can cause taste and odor issues
May form other chemical compounds of concern such as NDMA
Not easily removed by standard filters

So while chloramines reduce one risk, they introduce another layer of complexity for homeowners who want the cleanest possible water.

How to Protect Your Family from DBPs

The good news is that DBPs and residual chloramines can be reduced significantly with the right water filtration system.

Call 281-495-4420 to find out which water system is best for your home! We have tested most (if not all) of the public water throughout Houston and can help you identify the perfect water treatment solution for your home.

Why Environmental ProTech

Environmental ProTech has been helping Houston homeowners enjoy cleaner, safer water for over 30 years. We understand how Houston’s water is treated, where DBPs are likely to form, and which systems deliver long-term results.

When you work with us, you get:

A professional evaluation
Custom filtration design tailored to your home’s needs
Expert installation and support from Houston’s most trusted water specialists

Call now to schedule your free water test