The pH value of tap water in Houston, USA, typically falls within a range of 7.5 to 8.5, which is slightly alkaline. This is due to the presence of natural minerals and the treatment processes used to ensure the water is safe for consumption. However, Houston’s tap water also contains various contaminants that can affect its quality and safety.
Understanding the pH of Houston’s Tap Water
Houston’s water supply primarily comes from the San Jacinto River, with additional sources from the Evangeline and Chicot Aquifers. The water undergoes purification at three surface water treatment plants and 40 groundwater treatment plants, with 16 supplementary groundwater plants providing water for the remaining five Houston systems.
Despite the water being treated and safe to drink, there are still several contaminants and substances present in Houston’s tap water. These include:
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Per and Polyfluoralkyl Substances (PFAS): These are emerging contaminants found in various non-stick and stain-resistant products, as well as firefighting foam. While not currently regulated by the EPA, they are known to be toxic and persistent in the environment. Elevated levels of PFAS have been identified in areas around the San Jacinto River, suggesting they are likely present in Houston tap water.
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Arsenic: A toxic heavy metal known to cause cancer and other health issues, arsenic is found in Houston’s source water. The highest detected concentration in Houston’s main system was 8 parts per billion, which is within EPA’s regulated threshold. However, Hydroviv strongly recommends taking steps to remove arsenic from drinking water, especially for families with children.
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Lead: Lead can leach into drinking water from older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. While the city is currently in compliance with federal regulations, the EPA and CDC acknowledge that there is no safe level of lead for children. Hydroviv Undersink filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead from drinking water.
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Chromium 6: An extremely toxic metal not currently regulated by the EPA, Houston tap water has averaged 747 parts per trillion for Chromium 6. This is 35 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.
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Pesticides and Petroleum Hydrocarbons: Low levels of herbicides atrazine and simazine, as well as xylenes (a petroleum-based VOC), have been detected in Houston’s main system.
Balancing the pH of Houston’s Tap Water
To balance the pH of tap water in Houston or address specific contaminants, home remedies and solutions include:
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Installing a water filter: Filters designed to remove specific contaminants, such as those mentioned above, can help balance the pH and improve the overall quality of the water. For example, Hydroviv Undersink filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead from drinking water.
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Using pH test strips: Regularly testing the pH of your tap water with pH test strips can help you monitor any changes and take appropriate action if necessary.
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Adding pH-adjusting agents: If the pH is too high, you can add a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to lower it. Conversely, if the pH is too low, you can add a pinch of baking soda to raise it. However, it’s important to note that these methods should be used sparingly and with caution, as drastic changes in pH can affect the taste and safety of the water.
Conclusion
The pH of tap water in Houston, USA, typically falls within a slightly alkaline range of 7.5 to 8.5. While the water is treated to ensure safety, it still contains various contaminants, including PFAS, arsenic, lead, chromium 6, and pesticides. To balance the pH and address these contaminants, homeowners can install water filters, use pH test strips, and carefully add pH-adjusting agents. By taking these steps, Houston residents can ensure they have access to clean, safe, and balanced drinking water.
References:
– Drinking Water Quality Report | City of Houston
– USA Water PH? (Houston: home, live, area) – Texas (TX) – City-Data Forum
– Problems We Found In Houston’s Drinking Water – Hydroviv
– pH of water in Houston – Reddit