Irving Water Quality & Filtration Guide

Introduction To Water Quality in Irving

Irving, Texas residents receive their water primarily from a network of surface water sources, with Jim Chapman Lake (formerly Cooper Reservoir) serving as a primary source. The water from Lake Chapman is pumped to Lewisville Lake for treatment by the City of Dallas before distribution to Irving residents. This supply is supplemented by additional water purchased directly from Dallas. The complete surface water network includes six reservoirs and the Elm Fork of the Trinity River: Grapevine, Lewisville, Ray Roberts, Ray Hubbard, Fork, and Tawakoni.

While Irving's municipal water consistently meets federal regulatory standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recent testing has revealed several contaminants at levels exceeding health guidelines established by environmental research organizations. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has designated Irving's water system with a "superior" rating, indicating it exceeds the state's established chemical and taste standards. However, this doesn't mean the water is free from potential health concerns.

For the approximately 238,829 Irving residents who rely on this municipal water system, understanding both the treatment processes in place and the remaining contaminants is crucial. The city employs comprehensive water treatment including:

• Chloramine (combined chlorine and ammonia) and ozone for disinfection
• Lime and iron sulfate for suspended solids removal and corrosion control
• Activated carbon for taste and odor management
• Fluoride addition for dental health benefits

Despite these treatment efforts, some households may benefit from additional home filtration systems to address specific contaminants of concern.

Contaminants and Pollutants in your Local Water

Recent water quality testing has identified several categories of contaminants in Irving's water supply that, while below federal legal limits, exceed health guidelines established by environmental organizations:

PFAS Compounds (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

Testing conducted between 2023-2024 revealed the presence of these "forever chemicals" in Irving's water:

• PFHxS: Detected in 11% of samples (0.0-3.0 ppt)
• PFOA: Present in 44% of samples (0.0-4.9 ppt) - approaching the 4 ppt guideline
• PFOS: Found in 11% of samples (0.0-4.0 ppt) - at the 4 ppt guideline limit
• PFPeA: Detected in 100% of samples (6.9-11.7 ppt)

Disinfection Byproducts

These form when disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter:

• Bromochloroacetic acid: 3.89 ppb (194 times above the EWG health guideline of 0.02 ppb)
• Dichloroacetic acid: Present at concentrations 60 times higher than the 0.2 ppb health guideline
• Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs): Detected at levels requiring ongoing monitoring
• Bromodichloromethane and other haloacetic acids: Present in detectable quantities

Heavy Metals and Minerals

• Arsenic: Present at 0.297 ppb (74 times above the EWG health guideline of 0.004 ppb, though below the legal limit of 10 ppb)
• Chromium (hexavalent): Detected at 0.320 ppb (exceeding the health guideline of 0.02 ppb by 16 times)

Additional Contaminants

• p-Cresol: An industrial compound with potential toxic effects
• Molybdenum: A naturally occurring metal that can cause health issues at high concentrations
• Various halogenated compounds including chloroform and dibromochloromethane

Irving's municipal water is classified as moderately hard surface water, with hardness primarily due to calcium and magnesium ion concentrations. While hardness doesn't pose health concerns, it can affect taste and cause scale buildup in plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Explanation of Contaminants and their Problems

PFAS Compounds

PFAS compounds (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic chemicals designed to resist water, grease, and stains. Their exceptional resistance to degradation has earned them the nickname "forever chemicals" as they persist in the environment and human body for years. These compounds bioaccumulate, meaning their concentration increases over time with continued exposure.

Health concerns associated with PFAS exposure include:

• Developmental effects in fetuses and children, potentially affecting growth, learning, and behavior
• Increased risk of certain cancers, particularly kidney and testicular cancer
• Liver damage and reduced ability to process toxins
• Immune system disruption, reducing vaccine effectiveness and increasing infection susceptibility
• Thyroid hormone disruption affecting metabolism and development
• Elevated cholesterol levels contributing to cardiovascular disease risk

The detection of multiple PFAS compounds in 100% of Irving water samples is concerning, particularly as scientists continue to discover health effects at increasingly lower concentrations. The EPA has recently established health advisory levels for some PFAS compounds at near-zero concentrations, suggesting even minute amounts may pose health risks with long-term exposure.

Disinfection Byproducts

Disinfection byproducts form when water treatment disinfectants (like chlorine and chloramine) react with naturally occurring organic matter in water. While disinfection is essential for preventing waterborne diseases, these byproducts create their own health concerns.

The haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes found in Irving's water have been associated with:

• Increased lifetime cancer risk when consumed regularly
• Potential adverse pregnancy outcomes including low birth weight and miscarriage
• Liver, kidney, and central nervous system effects with long-term exposure
• Reproductive toxicity, particularly from compounds like bromochloroacetic acid

The significantly elevated levels of bromochloroacetic acid (194 times above health guidelines) and dichloroacetic acid (60 times above guidelines) in Irving's water warrant particular attention. While these levels remain below legal limits, the substantial margin by which they exceed health guidelines suggests potential long-term health concerns with continued exposure.

Heavy Metals

The presence of arsenic and hexavalent chromium in Irving's water, even at levels below legal limits, poses potential health risks with long-term consumption.

ArsenicArsenic is a known carcinogen linked to multiple cancer types including bladder, lung, and skin cancers. Even at the detected level of 0.297 ppb (which is 74 times above the health guideline but below the legal limit), chronic exposure increases cancer risk and may contribute to:

• Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes development
• Neurological effects including cognitive impairment
• Skin lesions and dermatological issues

Hexavalent ChromiumMade famous by the Erin Brockovich case, hexavalent chromium has been associated with:

• Digestive system cancers when ingested through drinking water
• Reproductive harm and developmental issues
• Allergic dermatitis and skin irritation
• DNA damage at the cellular level

At 16 times above the health guideline, the hexavalent chromium levels in Irving's water warrant attention despite meeting legal standards.

Deep Dive on Well Water Quality in the Area

While most Irving residents receive municipal water, some properties rely on private wells drawing from local aquifer systems. Understanding these groundwater sources is crucial for private well owners.

Trinity Aquifer System Water Quality

The Trinity aquifer underlies much of north-central Texas, including the Irving area, and consists of several formations. This aquifer system shows:

• Average Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration of 718 mg/l
• Generally soft water with high bicarbonate content and high sodium percentage
• Variable water quality by formation and depth
• Historical water level declines ranging from 25 feet (1.9 feet per year) to severe declines of 100-250 feet (7.6-19.2 feet per year) in parts of north-central Texas

The declining water table has significant implications for both water availability and quality, as it can concentrate existing minerals and contaminants while potentially drawing in pollutants from surrounding areas.

Paluxy Aquifer Water Quality

The Paluxy Aquifer represents a more moderate option for well water in the Irving area:

• More moderate TDS values averaging 607 mg/l
• Water level declines of up to 150 feet in some locations
• Average yearly water level changes ranging from +0.36 to -13.75 feet per year in monitored wells

This aquifer generally provides better quality water than other local options but still faces pressure from declining water levels that could affect long-term water quality.

Woodbine Aquifer Water Quality

The Woodbine Aquifer presents the most significant challenges for private well owners:

• Highest TDS values among local aquifers, averaging 877 mg/l
• Characterized by high sulfate levels associated with lignite beds
• Considerably more mineralized than other aquifers with high iron content
• Water level changes ranging from +0.34 to -5.94 feet per year in monitored wells

Private wells drawing from this aquifer often require specialized treatment systems to address the elevated mineral content, particularly iron, which can cause staining, metallic taste, and plumbing issues.

All local aquifers show evidence of:

• Natural mineral contamination related to geological formations
• Potential interformational leakage due to poor well completion techniques
• Contamination from oil-field activities and industrial sources in some areas
• Declining water levels creating increased mineral concentration in certain zones

Filtration Recommendations for Irving

Based on the specific contaminant profile of Irving's water, we recommend tailored filtration approaches for both municipal water users and private well owners.

For Municipal Water Users

The presence of PFAS compounds, disinfection byproducts, and heavy metals in Irving's municipal water suggests a multi-barrier approach for comprehensive protection:

Advanced Multi-Stage SystemFor complete protection, we recommend a system incorporating:

1. Sediment Filtration (Initial Stage)
   • Mechanical filtration between 1-5 microns
   • Removes particulate matter protecting downstream components
   • Extends the life of subsequent filtration stages
2. Activated Carbon Filtration (Second Stage)
   • Effectively reduces organic compounds including disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAAs)
   • Addresses chlorine, chloramine, taste and odor issues
   • Provides partial reduction of some PFAS compounds
   • We recommend catalytic carbon for enhanced chloramine removal
3. Reverse Osmosis Technology (Final Stage)
   • Most effective solution for PFAS compound removal
   • Removes heavy metals including arsenic and hexavalent chromium
   • Reduces dissolved minerals that contribute to hardness
   • Provides a final barrier against virtually all contaminant classes

This comprehensive approach addresses all contaminants of concern in Irving's municipal water, providing protection against both regulated and emerging contaminants.

For Private Well Users

Private well owners should consider the technologies above plus:

Additional Treatment Components

1. Oxidation Systems
   • Essential for Woodbine aquifer users with high iron content
   • Effective for iron and manganese removal
   • May include catalytic media or chemical oxidation
   • Prevents staining and metallic taste issues
2. pH Adjustment
   • Neutralizing filters to address potentially acidic groundwater
   • Prevents leaching of metals from household plumbing
   • Extends the life of plumbing fixtures and appliances
3. UV Disinfection
   • Critical for private wells lacking municipal disinfection
   • Provides protection against bacterial contamination
   • Low-maintenance, chemical-free disinfection solution
4. Regular Water Testing
   • Annual comprehensive testing recommended
   • More frequent testing for specific parameters of concern
   • Allows for system adjustment as water conditions change

The specific combination of filtration components should be tailored to address each household's unique water profile, with particular attention to which aquifer supplies private wells. A professional water quality assessment can determine the optimal system configuration based on your specific concerns and water source.

By implementing an appropriate water filtration system, Irving residents can ensure their water not only meets but exceeds health standards, providing peace of mind and protection against both known and emerging contaminants.

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