Texas is known for its vast landscapes and diverse geology, but the very ground beneath our feet is responsible for a serious, often invisible challenge in our drinking water. While many Texas homeowners are quick to notice the effects of hard water or the chemical smell of chlorine, there is a much more dangerous contaminant lurking in many local water supplies: arsenic.
Arsenic is a heavy metal found in trace amounts in many local water systems. Although municipal governments regulate water, these contaminants can still be left behind. Chronic consumption of drinking water containing arsenic can lead to harmful health effects in humans.
If you live in Texas, understanding the risks of arsenic exposure is critical. Here is a candid look at why arsenic is in Texas water, the health risks it poses, and how advanced solutions like a NECOA Smart Water Purifier equipped with 5-stage reverse osmosis filtration can keep your family safe.
Why is Arsenic in Texas Water?
Arsenic is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in the Earth’s crust. As water flows underground, it gradually dissolves the minerals in the rocks and soil. In certain areas of Texas, particularly the western and central regions, as well as the southern Gulf Coast, the geology is naturally rich in arsenic. Over time, this arsenic leaches directly into the groundwater.
While municipal water treatment plants are federally mandated to keep arsenic below 10 parts per billion (ppb), many smaller, rural utility systems struggle to meet these standards due to infrastructure costs.
Furthermore, if you are one of the millions of Texans relying on a private, unregulated well, you are entirely responsible for testing and treating your own water and.
One of the more important tests being a Total Dissolved Solids test. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measurement of the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances present in water, including minerals, salts, and, critically, heavy metals like arsenic. High TDS readings can indicate the presence of unhealthy contaminants and are a primary indicator of overall water quality, making regular testing essential for Texans concerned about their water safety.
If you are unsure about your water quality visit a NECOA Showroom and we will do a TDS test for you.
Why It Matters
One of the most concerning aspects of arsenic is that it is entirely tasteless, odorless, and colorless. You cannot tell if your water is contaminated just by looking at it or drinking it.
Long-term exposure to elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water is a severe health hazard. The chronic ingestion of arsenic has been definitively linked to:
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Circulatory Problems: Damage to the cardiovascular system and increased risk of heart disease.
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Cancer Risk: A significantly increased risk of developing cancers of the skin, bladder, and lungs.
The Myth of Boiling and Basic Filters
When Texans hear about water contamination, the immediate instinct is often to boil the water. Do not boil your water to remove arsenic. Because arsenic is a heavy metal, boiling water actually causes it to evaporate, leaving behind a higher, more dangerous concentration of arsenic in the water that remains.
Additionally, standard refrigerator filters or pitcher filters are not capable of filtering heavy metals like arsenic. They are designed to improve taste by filtering chlorine, but they will leave the arsenic flowing right into your glass.
The Solution: 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Filtration
To safely and effectively filter arsenic from your drinking water, the EPA recommends specific, high-level treatment methods, most notably, reverse osmosis.
This is where the NECOA Smart Water Purifier steps in. Unlike standard filters in your fridge or pitchers, the NECOA system utilizes a rigorous 5-stage reverse osmosis filtration process designed to filter the toughest Texas contaminant: Arsenic
The Smart Advantage Against Arsenic
A major issue homeowners face is forgetting to change their filters in their fridge, which allows contaminants like arsenic to slip back into their drinking water.
The NECOA system isn't just an under-sink filter; it is a smart water purifier. It connects directly to your smartphone to provide real-time data on your filter life. By sending you automatic alerts when it is time for a replacement and free automatic deliveries, the NECOA Smart Water Purifiers ensure your defense is never compromised.
You deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing your tap water is safe, no matter what part of Texas you live in.