Is Your Dallas-Fort Worth Tap Water Really Clean? What Families Need to Know

Get your FREE home water system estimate for clean, safe water today!

Many of us just turn on the faucet and trust that the water flowing out is perfectly safe to drink. We think, "If the government says it's okay, it must be fine, right?" Well, not always.

Across the U.S., including here in Dallas-Fort Worth, millions of homes have water with tiny bits of bad stuff in it. These "contaminants" include things like lead, arsenic, chemicals called trihalomethanes, and even "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. These PFAS chemicals come from factories and don't ever break down, which is why they are called "forever chemicals."

Drinking water with these things in it for a long time can make people sick. It's linked to serious health problems like cancer, issues with having babies, and even problems with our brains. Even if your city's water meets old government rules, new information from groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows that these old rules often aren't strict enough to keep us truly healthy.

This article will help you understand what might be in your water and simple steps you can take to keep your family safe. The big takeaway: "Legal" doesn't always mean "safe" when it comes to your drinking water.

What Makes Tap Water Unsafe? (Even When It's "Legal")

Experts at the EWG look closely at water test results from all over. They've found that in many places, common water contaminants are much higher than what doctors and scientists say is healthy. These harmful things include:

• Arsenic: A natural element that can get into water.
• Lead: Often comes from old pipes.
• Trihalomethanes: Chemicals formed when cities clean water with chlorine.
• Chromium-6: A factory chemical (you might remember it from the "Erin Brockovich" story).

Even if your city's water follows the government's rules, the EWG uses the newest science to set much stricter health guidelines. This often means there's a big difference between what's allowed and what's truly healthy for you. The EPA's water rules haven't changed in many years, so they don't always match what we know about health today.

To find out what's in your water, you can check the EWG's Tap Water Database online. And remember, a good water filter can make a big difference!

What Are These Bad Chemicals and Why Are They Harmful?

Let's look closer at some of the things that can be in your drinking water:

• Arsenic: This is a natural element that can also get into water from factories. It's linked to cancer, heart problems, diabetes, and nerve damage.
• Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs): These chemicals form when cities use chlorine to clean water, and the chlorine mixes with natural stuff in the water. Too much for too long can raise the risk of skin and bladder cancer, and harm unborn babies.
• Bromodichloromethane: This is a specific type of TTHM. Even small amounts can cause problems with having babies and how babies grow before they are born.
• Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium): This industrial chemical is very harmful. It's known to cause cancer and can hurt your liver and affect your ability to have children, even in tiny amounts.

The Big Problem with "Forever Chemicals" (PFAS)

Many water systems have also found high levels of PFAS chemicals. These are called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down – not in nature, and not in your body.

PFAS are man-made chemicals used in many products like nonstick pans, waterproof clothes, and firefighting foam. Once they get into our water or our bodies, they stay there.

Even small amounts of PFAS can be bad for your health. They're linked to certain cancers, problems with hormones, a weaker immune system, and growth issues in children. They can also affect how well vaccines work and your cholesterol levels. Because they never go away, it's very important to reduce how much you're exposed to them to protect your long-term health.

Good news: In April 2024, the government set tough new rules for PFAS in drinking water. These are some of the strictest rules in the world! But it will take time for all city water systems to meet these new standards. You can still check the EWG Tap Water Database to see how your local water measures up today.

How to Protect Your Family in Dallas-Fort Worth

It can feel scary to think about what's in your water, but there are simple steps you can take to keep your family safe and have peace of mind.

1. Stay Informed: Water quality can change. Check the EWG Tap Water Database often. Also, look at the yearly water report from your local water company. Knowing what's in your water is the first step!

2. Support Cleaner Water: You can help by supporting groups and new rules that want to make water cleaner for everyone. Telling your local leaders that clean water matters to you helps a lot.

3. Get a Home Water Filtration System: One of the best ways to get clean, safe water right at home is by adding a certified water filtration system. ClrWtrCo offers special systems, like Reverse Osmosis, that are made to take out harmful things like PFAS, arsenic, lead, and other common contaminants.

With a ClrWtrCo system, you can feel confident every day about the water you drink, cook with, and even shower in.

Ready for truly clean water? Get your FREE home water system estimate from ClrWtrCo today! We're here to help Dallas-Fort Worth families drink healthier.