What’s in Your Tap Water? A Breakdown of Common Texas Water Contaminants

Whether your water comes from the city or a private well, chances are it’s not as clean as you think. In Texas (where droughts, flooding, aging infrastructure, and high mineral content all collide), your tap water may carry more than just H₂O. Understanding what’s in your water is the first step toward protecting your home and health.

1. Hardness Minerals (Calcium & Magnesium)

Hard water is one of the most common issues across Texas.

• Austin: 6–10 grains per gallon (GPG)

• San Antonio: 12–15 GPG

• Rio Grande Valley: 15–18 GPG

While technically safe to drink, these minerals wreak havoc on plumbing and appliances by creating limescale buildup. Over time, this leads to clogged pipes, reduced efficiency, and shorter lifespans for water heaters and dishwashers.

2. Chlorine and Chloramine

Cities across Texas treat public water with disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine to kill bacteria. But these chemicals come with side effects:

• Unpleasant taste and odor

• Dry skin and brittle hair

• Corrosion in older plumbing systems

Some households also experience irritation when bathing or drinking heavily chlorinated water.

3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Runoff from agriculture, roadways, and industrial sites can introduce VOCs like:

• Pesticides

• Herbicides

• Fuel residues

 These are harmful even in small amounts and can contribute to long-term health issues. VOCs often pass through municipal systems undetected unless advanced filtration is in place.

4. Heavy Metals and Rust

Old or corroded plumbing (especially in homes built before the 1980s) can leach lead, copper, or iron into the water. In some cases, this causes:

• Discoloration (brown or orange tint)

• Metallic taste

• Unsafe levels of exposure for children and pregnant women

5. Microbial Contaminants

Texas is no stranger to boil water notices, especially after severe weather. These are issued when E. coli, cryptosporidium, or other bacteria are found—or may be present—in the water supply.

How Contaminants Impact Cooking, Taste, and Health

It’s not just about plumbing or water spots; tap water can directly affect the food you cook and the beverages you drink:

• Flavor distortion: Chlorine, sulfur, and metallic elements can make coffee bitter, tea murky, and pasta taste “off.”

• Unwanted residue: Hard water can cause cloudy ice cubes, film on dishes, or a chalky texture in boiled foods.

• Health risks: Long-term exposure to certain contaminants can impact gut health, organ function, and immune resilience.

Clean, filtered water enhances taste, supports wellness, and ensures your meals start with a healthier foundation.

What You Can Do to Purify Your Water

Installing a whole home water treatment system with targeted filtration (like a water softener, carbon filter, or reverse osmosis unit) can reduce or eliminate most of these contaminants.

Whether you're in Austin, San Antonio, or the Rio Grande Valley, Sweetwater Home Services offers custom solutions to help you enjoy cleaner, safer water throughout your home.