Houston Water Quality Report 2025: What Homeowners Should Know

Sunni Energy
Aug 14
3 min read

Introduction: Why Houston Water Quality Matters

Are you a Houston homeowner concerned about what’s in your tap water? The 2025 Houston Water Quality Report, along with independent research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, reveals important insights—and some real concerns—about the safety, taste, and health impact of Houston’s drinking water. At Sunni Energy, we believe every family deserves clean, healthy water. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the EWG Tap Water Database?

The EWG Tap Water Database is the largest and most trusted independent resource for U.S. drinking water quality. Unlike standard government reports, the EWG database:

Aggregates water test results from nearly 50,000 utilities nationwide, including Houston.
Highlights contaminants that may not be fully regulated by the EPA.
Compares local tap water results to up-to-date health-based guidelines, not just legal limits.
Empowers consumers to make informed decisions about water filtration and safety.

If you want a clear, unbiased look at Houston’s tap water, the EWG database is the place to start.

2025 Houston Water Quality: Key Findings

1. Multiple Contaminants Detected Above Health Guidelines

According to the EWG Tap Water Database for Houston, several contaminants in Houston’s tap water exceed EWG’s health-based recommendations, including:

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs): Byproducts of chlorine disinfection, linked to increased cancer risk.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5 & HAA9): Disinfection byproducts with potential cancer risk.
Chromium (hexavalent): A known carcinogen.
Radium: Radioactive, increases cancer risk.
Arsenic: Linked to cancer and cardiovascular problems.
Nitrate: Dangerous for infants and pregnant women.
Lead: No safe level for children; varies by home plumbing.

While most are technically within federal legal limits, EWG’s guidelines reflect the latest health science—often much stricter than government standards.

2. Chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts

Houston uses chlorine to disinfect drinking water. While effective against bacteria, chlorine reacts with organic matter to form TTHMs and haloacetic acids. These byproducts can:

Cause unpleasant taste and odor
Increase cancer risk with long-term exposure
Dry out skin and hair

3. Hard Water Is a Persistent Issue

Houston’s water is classified as “hard” due to high calcium and magnesium content. Hard water can:

Cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances
Reduce soap and detergent effectiveness
Leave spots on dishes and glassware
Lead to dry skin and hair

4. Heavy Metals & Industrial Chemicals

EWG’s data confirms the presence of:

Arsenic and radium (naturally occurring but harmful)
Lead (from old pipes and plumbing)
Chromium (hexavalent) (industrial pollutant and carcinogen)

5. Emerging Contaminants: PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)

PFAS chemicals are not yet fully regulated but are linked to cancer, immune system suppression, and thyroid issues. They persist in the body and environment and are difficult to remove with basic filtration.

What This Means for Houston Homeowners

Even if Houston’s water meets federal requirements, that doesn’t mean it’s truly “safe.” Many contaminants are present at levels that can accumulate over time and may pose risks, especially for:

Children and pregnant women
People with sensitive immune systems
Anyone concerned about long-term health

Common complaints from Houston residents include:

Chlorine taste or smell
Dry skin and hair after bathing
Spots or residue on fixtures and dishes
Worries about long-term exposure to contaminants

How to Protect Your Family: Water Filtration Solutions in Houston

1. Install a Whole House Filtration System

A high-quality whole house water filtration system, like those from Sunni Energy, can:

Remove or reduce chlorine, TTHMs, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals
Soften water to prevent scale buildup
Deliver cleaner, safer water to every tap

Our NASA-inspired technology is designed for Houston’s unique water challenges and meets NSF and WQA standards.

2. Add Reverse Osmosis (RO) for Drinking Water

RO systems provide an extra layer of protection, removing up to 99% of dissolved contaminants, including:

Lead
Arsenic
PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
Nitrates and more

3. Maintain and Test Regularly

Replace filters as recommended (RO: every 2 years)
Schedule annual water testing to track changes in local water quality

4. Get a Free Water Test

Sunni Energy offers free in-home water testing for Houston homeowners. We test for:

Hardness
Chlorine
TDS (total dissolved solids)
pH
Nitrate
More

Plus, you’ll see a side-by-side demo comparing your tap water to filtered water.

Why Choose Sunni Energy for Houston Water Filtration?

PURONICS water filtration systems that are NSF and WQA certified.
NASA-Inspired Technology for advanced contaminant removal
Custom Solutions for Houston homes and businesses
Eco-Friendly, Chemical-Free Options available
Fast Installation and Same-Day Service in Houston

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Houston Water Quality

The 2025 Houston Water Quality Report and the EWG Tap Water Database both show that while Houston’s water is technically legal, it’s not always optimal for your family’s health. Professional water filtration is a smart, proactive investment for peace of mind and better living.