Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Pasadena?
Yes, Pasadena's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Pasadena 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 or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Pasadena's water utility, City of Pasadena, had 1 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the City of Pasadena 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 Pasadena Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Pasadena 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 Pasadena's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Pasadena 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 Pasadena for Pasadena in Texas. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
For the compliance period beginning Dec. 30, 2021, Pasadena had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Lead Consumer Notice which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Lead and Copper Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Lead and Copper Rule.
For the compliance period beginning Oct. 1, 2015, Pasadena had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Lead and Copper Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Lead and Copper Rule.
For the compliance period beginning Nov. 10, 2012, Pasadena had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Other Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Public Notification Violation for NPDWR Violation which falls into the Other rule code group, and the Public Notice Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Public Notice.
For the compliance period beginning Aug. 8, 2012, Pasadena had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Groundwater Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: E. COLI.
For the compliance period beginning Aug. 1, 2011, Pasadena had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Groundwater Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: E. COLI.
Is there Lead in Pasadena Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Pasadena water system, City of Pasadena, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0 mg/L of lead in Pasadena water. This is 0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Pasadena contained more lead.
While Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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 - Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base - near Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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.
Pasadena 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12/30/2021 - | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Lead Consumer Notice (66) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) | Lead and Copper Rule (5000) | Chemicals (300) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) |
10/01/2015 - | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R (52) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) | Lead and Copper Rule (5000) | Chemicals (300) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) |
11/10/2012 - | Resolved | No | Other Violation (Other) | Public Notification Violation for NPDWR Violation (75) | Public Notice Rule (410) | Public Notice (7500) | Other (400) | Public Notice Rule (410) |
08/08/2012 - | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) (34) | Ground Water Rule (140) | E. COLI (3014) | Microbials (100) | Groundwater Rule (140) |
08/01/2011 - | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Source Water (GWR) (34) | Ground Water Rule (140) | E. COLI (3014) | Microbials (100) | Groundwater Rule (140) |
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.
Pasadena Water - Frequently Asked Questions
By Mail: | PO BOX 672 PASADENA, TX, 77501-0672 |
Existing customers can login to their City of Pasadena account to pay their Pasadena water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your City of Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Pasadena. 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 Pasadena means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Pasadena. 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
$2.26 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 Pasadena, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Pasadena 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 Pasadena's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
Contaminants
City of Pasadena
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: 110058
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Purchased surface water
- Total: 33
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Arsenic
- Bromodichloromethane
- Bromoform
- Chloroform
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- 2%2C4-D
- 4-Androstene-3%2C17-dione
- Atrazine
- Barium
- Bromochloroacetic acid
- Chloromethane
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Ethinyl estradiol
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Hexadecanoic acid
- Manganese
- Methyl isobutyl ketone
- Molybdenum
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Nitrite
- Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
- Selenium
- Simazine
- 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
Pasadena Tap Water
Have you ever wondered why your Pasadena, Texas tap water smells like sewage every time you turn it on? Well, there are a lot of reasons. Your City’s main sewer line is clogged from all raw sewage and debris that build up throughout the City every day. Plus, the City uses chlorine to kill off bacteria in the water, which is excellent because chlorine is also a disinfectant. However, the only way the chlorine can get past the sewage is if the sewage is allowed to dry and solidify, which happens pretty frequently in most large cities across the United States.
Fortunately, a company in Pasadena filters all of this sewage, which they call the City’s “Sewer Recovery Program.” Every day, they send out trucks to the sewer breaks to collect the raw sewage waste running down the toilet, washing it down, and then putting it back where it comes from. The problem is that while these trucks are running, there is no way for you to tell if your tap water is clean or not since it comes from your tap. That is why your water bill is probably higher every day than it would have been if you had set up a filtering system to collect the sewage.
A couple of different companies in the City specialize in sewage cleaning, including Advanced Carpet Cleaning in South Pasadena, one of the City’s premier water cleaning and restoration companies. They have been in business since 1957, so they have seen many changes and improvements in the water industry over the years. They use high-pressure cleaning and reverse osmosis technology, along with other cutting-edge techniques to ensure that the water coming into your home or office is as clean as it can be. While it is always recommended that you have your water tested from time to time, you should call Advanced Carpet Cleaning if you notice any unusual tastes or odors in your water.
Pasadena Drinking Water
Are you worried about the quality of your drinking water in Pasadena, Texas? It may come as a surprise to learn that there are contaminants in the water you drink. The water system is one of the oldest in the nation and has suffered minimal maintenance over many years. With the growth of the petrochemical industry, it is no wonder that so much contamination has occurred.
There is a company in Pasadena that has taken on the job of cleaning up the contaminated areas. They have done an excellent job cleaning up the polluted areas. This is a perfect example of how quality control needs to be maintained daily. One of the problems that we have with the drinking water system is that the treatment facilities don’t always see the threat right away. This allows the contaminants to build up to a point where they are too much for the treated water to handle. There is no stopping the contaminated water from continuing down the drain and ultimately to the ocean. It is this lack of understanding that leads to contamination of our drinking water.
There are companies out there that provide drinking water and provide regular testing at their establishment. They also offer information and education to their customers on water conservation and why you should care. Most of us don’t give it much thought, but we all need to care about water conservation. I would like to see our city get even more involved in helping to conserve our water resources. Please consider all this in 2021.
Pasadena Water and Power
For residents of Pasadena, Texas, the question on the minds of residents everywhere is, “Is the area served by a company that provides residential and commercial water and power services?” The answer to that question is a loud yes but what is truly important is to find one that best meets your needs. You can save both money and energy when you have the right company supplying you with both of these necessities.
Although most service companies that provide this type of service in the greater Los Angeles area have exclusive contracts with the various water companies and electrical companies in the area, some do have contracts with a select few. It is recommended that when you search for an installer or technician that you contact more than one to get quotes. This will allow you to find a company that offers a fair and competitive price on both services. In addition, you will be able to compare prices and quality between different companies.
If you live in a rural area, you may not have access to this specialized service. This is especially true if you live in a county with limited access to running water and hydroelectric power plants. However, companies out there are willing to come to your home and professionally install any necessary piping or equipment so that you can enjoy your new source of hydroelectric power or water. This can help you save money on your monthly water or electricity bill and is a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Pasadena Water Quality
Does the City of Pasadena have its water quality standards, or are all residents subject to the same laws as the rest of Texas? This is a question that residents have debated for years. Recently, a study was completed by APA Texas, the Texas Water Quality Association, and several other environmental associations in Texas. The study looked at over 100 water quality issues in Pasadena. It found that while all residents are protected under state law regarding the cleanliness of the water, local governments handle the enforcement of those laws may be leaving residents vulnerable.
In Pasadena, they have a Drinking Water Department that oversees how their water is treated. If they find a discrepancy in treatment, they will notify the residents at their door. However, only a portion of the city of Pasadena’s water is tested regularly by this department. This means that even though they have taken steps to ensure clean water for everyone, they are not truly making sure that all of the water coming into the house is safe to drink.
This is a problem that has been occurring in many major cities throughout the United States. Even though the water goes through a large water plant before reaching the individual homes of residents, the actual water itself is often contaminated with waste materials from the plant. There have also been questions about whether or not these types of harmful materials should be allowed to leave the groundwater on the reservoir that this plant supplies. The only way that these concerns can be answered is if this particular water supply company develops a more consistent monitoring system. Until then, everyone in Pasadena is left to live and drink water that may not be of acceptable quality.
Pasadena Water Resources Control Board
The Pasadena Texas water resources control board was formed in 1966. It was created to make extended-range plans and to coordinate long-range planning. The committee makes decisions that are in the best interest of the community as a whole. They can make recommendations that affect every area serviced by the city of Pasadena, including schools, playgrounds, economic development, sewer systems, fire hydrants, private housing, and more. They also set aside funds for projects that directly benefit the community. The board does not have the absolute power to make decisions. Still, they are among the leading groups that make decisions that the public can appeal to when problems with the city’s water resources.
The board meets quarterly for the community to come up with a plan to improve the area. Some meetings are held every quarter that are focused on the environment. They will discuss how to conserve and protect the natural resources that are found around the city. They also promote and encourage economic development in the area. They hold meetings and make decisions that affect the community and all the areas serviced by the city of Pasadena, including schools, playgrounds, parks, businesses, and more.
Because of the vast number of meetings held throughout the year, it is easy to see why so much work and planning go into making sure that the community’s resources are protected. When you live in a place with a board like this area, you can be sure that your water resources are being used appropriately. There is nothing damaged due to bad weather or too much rain. Having this control over your city’s water resources is an excellent advantage to have.
Pasadena Drinking Water Quality
Have you been trying to find quality water in Pasadena, Texas, and have come across different agencies that claim to provide you with the best water quality? Well, suppose you want to stay healthy. In that case, it is highly recommended that you should make sure that the water that you are drinking is free from any harmful contaminants. Most people do not know that tap water is not that safe after all.
This is because the water that you are getting from your tap can be contaminated by various bacteria, microorganisms, chemicals, and other organic material that can cause different health problems when it mixes with your bodily system. So, suppose you want to stay healthy. In that case, it is highly recommended that you should invest in a good drinking water purification system and make sure that your water is always free from impurities. Aside from this, there are other reasons why you should get the best water quality, which is also provided by the water purification systems, namely:
This is one of the most important things that you should always keep in mind while comparing different water quality agencies in Pasadena. It is essential because you do not want to get sick, and you certainly do not want to contract any disease due to unsafe water. There is no such thing as a free lunch, especially when it comes to drinking water. There are different types of filters that you can choose from to ensure water quality and safety. So, what are you waiting for?
Pasadena Surface Water
Over the last few years, there have been many cases where Pasadena, Texas surface water has exceeded the safe levels. This is primarily because of overpumping by the city. This causes the rivers and lakes to be over-pumped and then backed up into the city. In some cases, the pollutants backing up into the underground aquifers cause problems with the balance of nature. It would help if you took precautions not to end up having a horrible flooding situation in your home town.
There are two main ways that you can help with the pollution control of your local water supply. You can either raise the water level in the groundwater by artificial means, or you can lower your residential water rates by having rainwater runoff filter into the city’s water supply. The latter option will save you money in the long run because it will remove some of the higher pollutants that come through the surface water. This makes it less likely that there will be an overflow. Suppose you do not have the money to install a filtering system. In that case, you should look into the possibility of purchasing an environmentally friendly appliance such as an automatic dishwasher or similar device.
Live in a region like Pasadena that experiences heavy rains. You should be aware of the importance of having a good water filter installed at home. It can be very costly to have your water filter professionally installed. Still, in the long run, it is much more cost-effective to have it work for you. Many people are unaware that they can filter their drinking water at home. With a simple filter, you can eliminate many harmful chemicals from coming through on your skin and into your drinking water. This is an excellent way for you to help with the pollution control of your local water supply and save money at the same time.
Pasadena Water Supply
If you live in Pasadena, you are going to need a good water supply. This is where the city of Pasadena, Texas, comes into play. Although most of the city of Pasadena is dry, this is also where the famous California Academy of Science lies. The water here is used for various purposes. Everything from making sure that the campus has clean drinking water to help with construction projects on campus and so much more.
There is an abundance of places that you can find water in Pasadena. Besides the city of Los Angeles, the two cities that make up this beautiful part of southern California have their water supply. Although the water may not be the cleanest, it is still quite dependable and does not go through any treatment, thus making it very safe to use. The water might be too clean to drink at times. Still, ultraviolet light does help kill bacteria and viruses that may be in the water. Therefore, if you are concerned about what you are drinking and using, this is the way to go.
In addition to taking care of your own family’s water supply, you will also want to consider taking a look at your neighbors. There may be times when you are worried about the quality of water that you are getting from them because you might be using the same water that they are using. This is especially important if you live in a high area that tends to get a lot of rainfall. You do not want to end up paying for water that you could be taking home.
Pasadena Water Filter
Suppose you are looking for a quality water filtering system. In that case, it is time to think about getting a Pasadena Texas water filter. This might be the best investment you make to protect your family. It can make all the difference in the world if your water is polluted. This is not something we think about often, but pollution in our water supply is more prevalent than most people think. It affects us when we drink it and cook it.
There are many places you can get this system. You can shop around at several different stores to see what kind of selection they have. If you have friends who own water filtering systems, ask them where they get their water from and what type of system they have. There is no shame in getting a recommendation. It may even save you money to know that someone has called the system and loves it.
Getting a water filter for your home can be very affordable. It might take a little bit of time and effort to find the right one. Make sure you choose one that is certified by the Texas water board. This means that the company has taken every step to ensure that the water coming through the faucet is pure. This way, you know that you are getting the safest water possible. This can make a massive difference in the way that you feel and the way that you live.
Pasadena Groundwater
Have you ever heard of Pasadena, Texas, groundwater pollution? If you have, you might be surprised to find out that it is just a symptom of a much larger problem. The problem of pollution in the environment is getting worse worldwide, and we are all to blame for that. Many believe that if we do a better job of recycling and reclaiming our groundwater, all of that pollution will cease, but that hasn’t happened yet.
Pollution in the groundwater systems of the United States has been increasing exponentially over the last few decades. This is a disturbing trend, considering that groundwater supplies are supposed to be pristine and abundant. There are many effects of pollution on the environment. Still, perhaps the most disturbing is the effect it has on us. As more chemicals enter our environment, we end up with more problems.
What are some of these effects? Well, for one, our bodies absorb the pollutants in our water sources. In turn, this can lead to a variety of health conditions, including cancer. A recent study performed in the Pacific Northwest found that drinking tap water containing several different contaminants could cause anemia in humans. This was because several other cancer-causing chemicals were being absorbed into the human body.
Pasadena Water Contaminants
The first thing that most people think of when they hear about pollutants in the environment is the air and water. But the contamination in our water can reach into our tap water as well. Many chemicals and other substances from our lawns and gardens get into the groundwater and make their way to our underground water sources. One way to protect ourselves and our children is to have a quality water filter installed in our home. There are many kinds of filters on the market today, but you can save money and get the best water for your family by buying it directly from the source.
Water contamination starts at the source. Many places have to deal with sewage issues that cause toxins in the air to be emitted into the atmosphere. This makes the air smell terrible and sometimes even taste bad. Some contaminants have been linked to cancer. Many cities have spent millions on trying to clean up their sewer lines. However, they still find themselves dealing with significant water contamination issues that cause other health problems for the community.
Some of the water contaminants in the air come from factories. They release chemicals into the air that we breathe every day. If you go to a business that uses chlorinated water, you are risking your health. It may be hard to believe, but if you do not filter the water coming out of your faucet, you are also putting your health at risk. Filtering the water that comes out of your faucets helps to remove these toxins before they can do any harm.
Pasadena Water Standards
One of the biggest debates in America right now is about drinking water safety and regulation. With so much pollution, it’s no wonder that people are worried. The fact is that the drinking water in the United States is just as safe as possible, but we need to make sure that we take precautions to make sure that it stays that way. With all of the pollution that is going on in our country today, we need to do all that we can to ensure that everyone has clean water to drink. This is why there are so many different regulations for water across the country.
Pasadena, Texas, is one city in Texas that makes sure that its water meets the national standards. They have a department that they call the Quality Assurance Program. This group audits the plant facilities and works to ensure that the plant is clean and safe. When a plant does not meet the department’s standards, it will be fined. There have been several fines in the past, and this is an excellent way to make sure that your city’s water is good enough.
Many different pollutants can enter your tap water, and most of them are natural. Some come from farming, while others come from industry. There are chemicals from manufacturing processes, but most of them are naturally occurring. The problem comes when someone uses more than one type of chemical to make their products, which means that more chemicals are entering your drinking supply than you probably realize. If you want to make sure that your family is healthy, you need to make sure that your water is as clean as possible.