Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Austin?
Yes, Austin's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Austin has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Austin's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Austin's water utility, City of Austin Water & Wastewater, had 1 health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Austin was resolved on Feb. 28, 2022. This assessment is based on the City of Austin Water & Wastewater water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Austin Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Austin tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Austin's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Austin Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Austin Water & Wastewater for Austin in Texas. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From Feb. 1, 2022 to Feb. 28, 2022, Austin had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From Oct. 1, 2018 to Oct. 31, 2018, Austin had 4 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violations with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant codes: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Is there Lead in Austin Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Austin water system, City of Austin Water & Wastewater, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0 mg/L of lead in Austin water. This is 0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Austin contained more lead.
While Austin water testing may have found 0.0 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Austin Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Bergstrom Air Force Base - near Austin with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Austin has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Austin SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/01/2022 - 02/28/2022 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) (43) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 10/01/2018 - 10/31/2018 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) (44) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 10/01/2018 - 10/31/2018 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) (44) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 10/01/2018 - 10/31/2018 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Monthly Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) (44) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 10/01/2018 - 10/31/2018 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) (43) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Austin Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | PO BOX 1088 AUSTIN, TX, 78767-1088 |
Existing customers can login to their City of Austin Water & Wastewater account to pay their Austin water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your City of Austin Water & Wastewater bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Austin water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Austin water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Austin means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Austin Water & Wastewater. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Austin means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Austin Water & Wastewater. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.6 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Austin, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Austin Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Austin's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
WATER QUALITY REPORT | AUSTIN
January - December 2020
Austin Water strives to deliver drinking water of the highest quality, with exceptional value and reliability. This annual Drinking Water Quality Report provides information on the City of Austin’s drinking water as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
There are many opportunities for public participation. The Austin City Council meets on Thursdays. Information on these meetings can be found by visiting
Find information about initiatives such as Austin Water’s Strategic and Water Forward Plans, Digital Water Meter Project and other resources by visiting austinwater.org.
Este reporte incluye información importante sobre el agua para tomar. Para asistencia en español, favor de llamar al
WATER SOURCES
Customers of the City of Austin receive their drinking water from three water treatment plants that pump surface water from the Lower Colorado River as it flows through Lake Travis and Lake Austin. The City of Austin treats and filters the water according to federal and state standards to remove any possible harmful contaminants.
The sources of drinking water nationwide (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can be polluted by animals or human activity.
Contaminants that may be present in the source water include:
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 storm water 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, storm water runoff and residential uses.
Organic chemicals, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems.
Radioactive materials, which can be naturally occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems to ensure that tap water is safe to drink. The Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.
Contaminants may be found in drinking water that may cause taste, color, or odor problems. These types of problems are not necessarily a cause for health concerns. For concerns with taste, odor, or color of drinking water, contact Austin Water at
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS
Austin Water was in full compliance, incurring no violations with the State of Texas and EPA national primary drinking water regulations during the
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) completed an assessment of our source water and results indicate that some of our sources are susceptible to certain contaminants. The sampling requirements for the water system are based on this susceptibility and previous sample data. Any detection of these contaminants will be found in this Consumer Confidence Report. For more information on source water assessments and protection efforts of our system, contact Austin Water’s Water Quality Manager at
SPECIAL NOTICE
You may be more vulnerable than the general population to certain microbial contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, in drinking water. Infants, some elderly or immunocompromised persons such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer; those who have undergone organ transplants; those who are undergoing treatment with steroids; and people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders can be particularly at risk from infections. You should seek advice about drinking water from your physician or health care provider. Additional guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
All surface water sources are known to be susceptible to contamination by Cryptosporidium. Because of this, Austin Water monitors for Cryptosporidium in the lake water. Of the 10 total samples collected in 2020, results from 9 samples reported no detection and one sample reported a detection of 2 oocysts of Cryptosporidium.
FLUORIDE AND INFANTS
Water fluoridated at a level optimal for oral health (as is used in Austin) poses no known health risks for infants. However, some children may develop enamel fluorosis, a cosmetic condition where faint white markings or streaks may appear on the teeth. Fluorosis can affect both baby teeth and permanent teeth while they’re forming under the gums.
If you’re concerned about fluorosis, you can minimize your baby’s exposure to fluoride in several ways. Breast feeding is the best source of nutrition for infants. If breast feeding is not possible, you can minimize fluoride exposure by using
WATER LOSS
The Infrastructure Leak Index (ILI) measures the efficiency of water loss control efforts. It is calculated by taking the real losses (water lost due to leaks) and dividing them by the unavoidable real losses, the theoretical level of minimum leakage calculated by American Water Works Association Standards. Austin Water’s 2020 ILI was 4.5.
INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead occurs in drinking water primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Austin Water is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
WATER QUALITY REPORT | AUSTIN
January - December 2020
Substance
(Sampled in 2020 unless noted differently)
Highest Level Allowed |
City of Austin |
(EPA’s MCL) |
Drinking Water |
Regulated at the Treatment Plant
Ideal Goals
(EPA’s MCLG)
Possible Sources
|
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Low |
High |
Average |
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Barium (ppm) |
2 |
0.009 |
0.012 |
0.010 |
2 |
Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from |
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metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits |
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Beta/photon emitters (pCi/L*) 2018 |
50 |
4.8 |
4.8 |
4.8 |
0 |
Decay of natural and |
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Copper (ppm) |
AL = 1.3 |
<0.002 |
0.009 |
0.004 |
1.3 |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; |
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erosion of natural deposits |
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Cyanide (ppb) |
200 |
<10 |
110 |
53 |
200 |
Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge |
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from plastic and fertilizer factories |
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Fluoride (ppm) |
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Water additive which promotes strong teeth; |
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4 |
0.68 |
0.81 |
0.73 |
4.0 |
erosion of natural deposits; discharge from |
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fertilizer and aluminum factories |
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Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (ppm) |
10 |
0.15 |
0.19 |
0.17 |
10 |
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic |
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tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits |
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Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Removal Ratio** |
TT - Annual average ≥ 1 |
1.58 |
2.6 |
2.02 |
not applicable |
Naturally present in the environment |
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TT - 95% of monthly samples |
0.01 |
0.18 |
0.04 |
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Soil runoff; Austin Water measures turbidity |
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Turbidity (NTU) |
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must be ≤ 0.3 NTU & |
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not applicable |
(cloudiness of water) as an indicator of the |
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100% of readings were below 0.3 NTU |
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no sample can be > 1.0 NTU |
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effectiveness of the filtration system |
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each month of the year |
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*EPA considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles.
**The TOC removal ratio is calculated on a monthly basis and is the percent of TOC removed through the treatment process divided by the percent of TOC required by TCEQ to be removed. TOC has no adverse health effects. TOC provides a medium for the formation of disinfection byproducts when water is disinfected. Disinfection is necessary to ensure that water does not have unacceptable levels of pathogens. Byproducts of disinfection include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) which are reported below.
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Regulated in the Distribution System |
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Chloramines (ppm) |
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4.0 (MRDL) |
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0.25 |
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2.54 |
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≤ 4 (MRDLG) |
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Disinfectant used to control microbes |
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3.7 |
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Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb) |
|
Yearly Average (LRAA) 60 |
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7.6 |
|
15.9 |
|
11.7 |
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not applicable |
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Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
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Highest LRAA = 15.8 |
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Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)* (ppb) |
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Yearly Average (LRAA) 80 |
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20.3 |
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35.8 |
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30.7 |
|
not applicable |
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Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
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Highest LRAA = 36.3 |
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In addition to other routine monitoring, Austin Water tests the water at locations across our distribution system over 300 times per month to detect the presence of E. coli bacteria. None of these samples tested positive for the presence of E. coli bacteria in 2020 and Austin Water was not required to conduct a Level 1 or Level 2 Assessment under EPA or State regulations.
*Some people who ingest trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Lead and Copper Rule - Testing is done at customer taps. Testing is done every 3 years.
Copper (ppm) 2018
Lead (ppb) 2018
AL = 1.3 |
90% of all samples tested were |
1.3 |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; |
|
<0.02 ppm. None exceeded 1.3 |
erosion of natural deposits |
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AL = 15 |
90% of all samples tested were |
0 |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; |
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<1.0 ppb. None exceeded 15 |
erosion of natural deposits |
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Unregulated Contaminants
Unregulated contaminants are those for which EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is warranted. Any unregulated contaminants detected are reported in the following table. For additional information and data visit epa.gov, or call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
Substance |
Highest Level Allowed |
Low |
High |
Average |
Ideal Goals |
Possible Sources |
|
(EPA’s MCL) |
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Bromodichloromethane (ppb) |
Not Regulated Individually |
7.0 |
12.0 |
10.4 |
0 |
|
|
Dibromochloromethane (ppb) |
Not Regulated Individually |
6.6 |
12.6 |
9.3 |
60 |
|
|
Chloroform (ppb) |
Not Regulated Individually |
5.5 |
13.4 |
9.2 |
70 |
|
|
Bromoform (ppb) |
Not Regulated Individually |
1.1 |
4.3 |
1.8 |
0 |
|
|
Monochloroacetic Acid (ppb) |
Not Regulated Individually |
<2.0 |
3.3 |
2.1 |
70 |
|
|
Dichloroacetic Acid (ppb) |
Not Regulated Individually |
4.4 |
9.0 |
6.9 |
0 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
Trichloroacetic Acid (ppb) |
Not Regulated Individually |
1.2 |
3.0 |
2.0 |
20 |
||
|
|||||||
Dibromoacetic Acid (ppb) |
Not Regulated Individually |
1.7 |
4.2 |
2.6 |
No MCLG |
|
|
Bromochloroacetic Acid (ppb) |
Not Regulated |
3.4 |
5.8 |
4.3 |
No MCLG |
|
|
HAA5* - five haloacetic acids (ppb) 2019 |
Not Regulated |
12.9 |
26.7 |
17.3 |
not applicable |
|
|
HAA6Br* - six brominated haloacetic acids (ppb) 2019 |
Not Regulated |
9.2 |
17.2 |
12.8 |
not applicable |
|
|
HAA9* - nine haloacetic acids (ppb) 2019 |
Not Regulated |
20.9 |
39.9 |
28.3 |
not applicable |
|
*These parameters were monitored as required by EPA’s Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4).
Table Key
AL = Action Level The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
Level 1 Assessment = A study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria were found.
Level 2 Assessment = A very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an Escherichia coli (E. coli) MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria were found on multiple occasions.
LRAA = Locational Running Annual Average The average of sample results taken at a specific monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters.
MCL = Maximum Contamination Level The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best treatment technology
MCLG = Maximum Contamination Level Goal The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
MRDL = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is evidence that addition of a disinfectant helps control microbial contaminants.
MRDLG = Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants
NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units (a measure of turbidity) pCi/L = picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)
ppb = parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/L) ppm = parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/L)
- = Treatment Technique TT is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water
Contaminants
City of Austin Water & Wastewater
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 981783
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 22
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Barium
- Bromochloroacetic acid
- Bromoform
- Cyanide
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Diquat
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Hexadecanoic acid
- Molybdenum
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Paraquat
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Additional Resources
Texas water is safe for consumption, but only for healthy adults. They follow the set standard, and the water source and the water being distributed are often tested. The purpose is to make sure that it is safe. However, it will still have some contaminants present.
About Austin Tap Water
Austin sources the water they supply to Austin residents from the Lower Colorado River that flows into Lake Travis and Lake Austin. The city has three treatment plants to treat and filter the water by following the state’s standards. The process of filtering is crucial as it helps in eliminating harmful contaminants.
It is important to note that all water sources are bottled or from the tap, from rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, springs, ponds, and reservoirs. The water travels over the land and through the ground. It can get minerals naturally occurring or be polluted by animals and other human activities during the process. Water pollution should be treated before water is consumed.
The lower Colorado River watershed travels for many miles, and it passes through agricultural land and urban areas. Find out some of the contaminants that might be present in the source of water.
- Microbial contaminants– these are contaminants like bacteria and viruses.
- Herbicides and pesticides– The contaminants might be found in places like stormwater run-off, agriculture, and residential uses.
- Inorganic contaminants– they are products like salts and metals.
- Organic chemicals– these contaminants come from petroleum and industrial use.
- Radioactive materials– They can be naturally occurring.
Source Of Water Assessment
Assessing the water source is the first step of managing the water systems that flow into the taps. By understanding the water quality, Texas’s state will develop the best strategy to treat the water and make it safe for human consumption. The Texas Commission does the water quality in Texas on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The report they offered states that some water sources in Texas are susceptible to specific contaminants. The Austin water Regulatory manager will use the information to determine the best way to deal with the water supply.
Drinking water regulation in Austin
The tap water in Austin is treated using the NSDWRs standards. The company ensures that the water that gets into the tap is safe for human consumption.
Special situation
In as much as Austin follows the set standard when offering quality tap water to the residents, the water might not be safe for everyone. Some people might be vulnerable than the general population, and if that is the case, they might be affected by the contaminants found in the water. Infants, the elderly, cancer patients, those who have received an organ transplant, those who are taking steroids, and HIV patients stand a high risk of getting infected.
In case you have the mentioned conditions or any other that might weaken your immune system, consider talking to your healthcare provider. They will guide you on the measures to take not to get infected by the condition.
Advisory for travelers
If you are traveling to Austin, think about the water you will get and safe for you to consume. As a general rule, the best way to be safe when taking tap water is by first boiling or purifying it. There are also some purification tablets you can use to ensure the water is safe. If you have underlying or health conditions, avoid drinking tap water and take one which is bottled.
Note that freezing water does not kill germs. Therefore, if you will be using ice-cubes in your drink, it is best to make your ice-cubes yourself. Boil the water or use bottled water when making the ice-cubes.
Before you buy any bottled water, it is essential to ask the locals to tell you of a reliable company you can use. Alternatively, you can search online and find a company that has the reputation of offering the best service to clients.
In case you get sick from drinking water, you need to ensure that you seek medical advice. Some of the signs that you are suffering from drinking water are diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headaches, and chills. In case you get any of these conditions to try and stay hydrated by taking sports drinks, boiled or bottled water, or any fluids.
The numerous adverts for bottled water and filtering systems have left many people suspicious of the water that flows into their kitchen tap. Most tap waters contain some contaminants level; however, most healthy adults can still safely drink the tap in most regions. You might be wondering if tap water is suitable for you; however, the water quality you get will depend on the area to answer this question.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all drinking water coming from the bottle or the tap has some contaminants. However, this does not imply that it is unsafe to drink, as the EPA has set standards required before any service delivers drinking water to the public. The standard set is known as the Nation Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs). The NPDWRs aims to ensure that the level of contaminants found in water is limited.
There are also a second set of non-enforceable guidelines known as the National Secondary Drinking Water Regulation (NSDWRs). The regulation ensures that the drinking water does not have any cosmetic effect like tooth or skin discoloration. It also provides no contaminants that might affect the smell and color of the drinking water. Though water systems are not obliged to follow the NSDWRs law, some states might choose to enforce these standards.