What’s in Houston water?

If you live in Houston, you probably know our water is considered “safe” by federal standards. But “safe” doesn’t always mean free from chemicals that affect your health, home, and appliances. Houston water is sourced from surface water and treated at municipal plants before it reaches your home. Along the way, it picks up additives, byproducts, and naturally occurring elements.

Here’s a closer look at what’s commonly found in Houston tap water—and why homeowners are turning to professional filtration for peace of mind.

Common Chemicals in Houston’s Water

1. Chlorine

• Why it’s there: Added by the city to kill bacteria and viruses.

• Concerns: Can dry skin and hair, alter taste and smell, and create disinfection byproducts (DBPs) when it reacts with other organic material.

2. Chloramines

• Why it’s there: A combination of chlorine and ammonia used for longer-lasting disinfection.

• Concerns: Harder to remove than chlorine, can cause plumbing corrosion, and may trigger skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

3. Fluoride

• Why it’s there: Added to help prevent tooth decay.

• Concerns: Controversial; some studies link long-term exposure to health concerns.

4. Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)

• Why they’re there: Form when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter in water.

• Concerns: Some DBPs are regulated due to potential links to cancer with long-term exposure.

5. Lead & Copper

• Why they’re there: Usually from corrosion of older pipes or plumbing fixtures—not the water source itself.

• Concerns: Harmful even in small amounts, especially to children.

6. Nitrates & Nitrites

• Why they’re there: Often from agricultural runoff.

• Concerns: Can interfere with oxygen transport in the blood, particularly dangerous for infants.

7. PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)

• Why they’re there: Industrial runoff, firefighting foam, and manufacturing waste.

• Concerns: Linked to hormonal disruption, immune issues, and increased cancer risk.

Why These Chemicals Are a Concern for Houston Homeowners

While many of these chemicals are within EPA guidelines, the guidelines are not the same as zero risk—especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, or anyone with compromised immunity. Over time, even small amounts can affect your family’s health and your home’s infrastructure.

How Environmental ProTech Can Help

We start with a free in-home water test to determine exactly what’s in your water. Then we recommend targeted solutions like:

• Whole-home carbon filtration to remove chlorine, chloramines, and DBPs.

• Reverse osmosis systems for drinking water to remove fluoride, PFAS, nitrates, and heavy metals.

• Softening systems to address hard water minerals and protect plumbing.

Our systems are designed specifically for Houston’s water profile—so you get complete, customized protection.

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.