Water Quality in El Paso, Texas
Source of Water
El Paso’s drinking water comes from a combination of surface water from the Rio Grande and groundwater from the Hueco and Mesilla Bolsons1. The water is treated at several water treatment plants, including the Jonathan Rogers, Robertson/Umbenhauer, and Upper Valley Water Treatment Plants1.
Water Quality Standards
El Paso Water adheres to the standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The annual Drinking Water Quality Report provides detailed information on the quality of water, including the presence of any contaminants1.
Contaminants Monitored
El Paso Water monitors for various contaminants, including:
- Microbial contaminants: Such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
- Inorganic contaminants: Such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
- Pesticides and herbicides: Which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
- Organic chemical contaminants: Including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
- Radioactive contaminants: Which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities1.
Water Hardness
Water hardness in El Paso is considered high. The hardness level is approximately 171.4 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 10 grains per gallon (gpg)2. This level of hardness is classified as “hard” water, which means it can cause scaling in pipes and appliances, and may affect the efficiency of soaps and detergents.
Effects of Hard Water
- On Appliances: Mineral deposits can build up in pipes and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
- On Skin and Hair: Hard water can cause dryness and irritation, making it difficult to lather soap and shampoo.
- On Cleaning: It can leave spots on dishes and glassware and make cleaning more challenging.
Solutions for water hardness in El Paso Texas
- Water Softeners: Installing a water softener can help reduce the hardness of the water. This is not the best option because water softeners exchange salt for hardness, adding an unhealthy amount of salt to your drinking water. Which is corrosive and bad for the environment. Its usage is also being banned in many municipalities.
- HydroFLOW: this is the best option for treating hard water. It lets you keep the healthy calcium in your water but renders it harmless by not allowing it to adhere to your plumbing and fixture surfaces. Learn more about the benefits of HydroFLOW.
Additional Information
- Lead: El Paso Water has implemented measures to control lead levels, including corrosion control treatments to prevent lead from leaching into the water from pipes1.
- Fluoride: El Paso Water adds fluoride to the water to help fight tooth decay, maintaining levels optimal for oral health3.
- Chromium-6: El Paso’s drinking water has been noted to contain levels of Chromium-6, a toxic metal not regulated by the EPA. The average level is 2400 parts per trillion4.
El Paso Water takes pride in providing safe and reliable drinking water to its residents, conducting extensive testing and monitoring to ensure compliance with all regulatory standards5.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the latest Drinking Water Quality Report available on the El Paso Water website.