Saginaw Water Quality & Filtration Guide

Introduction To Water Quality in Saginaw

Saginaw, Texas operates a purchased water system serving approximately 22,380 residents. Rather than treating its own source water, the city purchases 100% of its drinking water from the City of Fort Worth. This water originates from several surface water sources including Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake, Lake Bridgeport, Richland Chambers Reservoir, Cedar Creek Reservoir, Lake Benbrook, and the Clear Fork Trinity River. While Fort Worth handles all water treatment processes, Saginaw maintains responsibility for monitoring water quality within its distribution system.

The Saginaw Water Department operates under guidelines established by multiple regulatory agencies:

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
• Texas Water Development Board
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The city employs a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to continuously monitor water distribution throughout the city, enabling real-time oversight of water quality parameters. During 2023, Saginaw reported an average daily chlorine residual of 1.83 mg/L, which is well within acceptable parameters and above the minimum regulatory requirement of 0.5 mg/L.

While the municipal water supply meets all current federal and state regulations, this report will examine both the treated water system and the groundwater sources utilized by private wells in the area, primarily from the Trinity Aquifer.

Contaminants and Pollutants in your Local Water

The water quality in Saginaw is routinely monitored for numerous regulated contaminants. Based on recent testing data, the following substances have been detected in the municipal water supply:

Municipal Water Contaminants:

• PFAS Compounds:
  • PFBA: Detected in 100% of samples with concentrations ranging from 6.7 to 8.1 ppt
  • PFHxA: Detected in 50% of samples with concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 3.7 ppt
  • PFPeA: Detected in 50% of samples with concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 3.4 ppt
• Disinfection Byproducts:
  • Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): Highest level 8.2 ppb (MCL: 60 ppb)
  • Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM): Highest level 6.45 ppb (MCL: 80 ppb)
• Inorganic Compounds:
  • Nitrate (measured as Nitrogen): 0.212 ppm (MCL: 10 ppm)
  • Fluoride: 0.72 ppm (MCL: 4 ppm)
  • Barium: 0.28 ppm (MCL: 2 ppm)
  • Aluminum: 15.9 ppb (No legal limit)
• Lead and Copper (2022 sampling):
  • Lead: 90th percentile value of 1.7 ppb (Action Level: 15 ppb)
  • Copper: 90th percentile value of 0.4789 ppm (Action Level: 1.3 ppm)

Private Well Water Contaminants (Trinity Aquifer):

• Hydrochemistry and Major Ions:
  • Total Dissolved Solids: Average 718 mg/L (EPA Secondary Standard: 500 mg/L)
  • Chloride: Average 98 mg/L (EPA Secondary Standard: 250 mg/L)
  • Sodium: Average 245 mg/L (No EPA standard)
  • Sulfate: Average 103 mg/L (EPA Secondary Standard: 250 mg/L)
  • Nitrate: Average 1.00 mg/L (MCL: 10 mg/L)
  • Fluoride: Average 0.90 mg/L (Primary MCL: 4 mg/L)
• Trace Elements and Other Compounds (detected in some wells):
  • Arsenic: 0.005 mg/L
  • Benzene: 0.001 mg/L
  • Atrazine: 0.1 μg/L
  • Diazinon: 0.05 μg/L

It's important to note that while all regulated contaminants in the municipal water are below EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), the presence of unregulated PFAS compounds and other substances may still present health concerns over long-term exposure.

Explanation of Contaminants and their Problems

PFAS Compounds

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various consumer and industrial products for their water- and stain-resistant properties. These "forever chemicals" are highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time.

Health concerns associated with PFAS exposure include:

• Increased risk of certain cancers (kidney, testicular, thyroid, oral, and pharyngeal)
• Immune system suppression and reduced vaccine efficacy
• Endocrine disruption and metabolic disorders
• Reproductive and developmental toxicity, including low birth weight
• Liver and kidney damage

Although the detected levels in Saginaw's water are relatively low, the cumulative nature of these chemicals and their extreme persistence make them a significant concern for long-term health. Short-chain PFAS (like PFBA and PFHxA) are considered less bioaccumulative than long-chain variants, but may still pose health risks due to their mobility and persistence.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)

Disinfection byproducts form when chlorine or chloramine disinfectants react with natural organic matter in water. While Saginaw's levels of trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA5) are well below regulatory limits, prolonged exposure may still present health concerns:

• Long-term exposure has been associated with increased risk of bladder, colon, and rectal cancers
• Some DBPs are linked to reproductive and developmental effects
• Potential liver and kidney toxicity with chronic exposure

These compounds represent an unavoidable tradeoff between effective disinfection (preventing waterborne disease) and chemical byproduct formation. While levels below regulatory limits are generally considered safe, further reduction through home filtration can provide additional health protection.

Heavy Metals

Lead and Copper

Although Saginaw's municipal water shows low levels of lead and copper, these metals primarily enter drinking water through corrosion of household plumbing, particularly in older homes.

Lead exposure can cause:

• Neurodevelopmental effects in children (decreased IQ, behavioral problems)
• Cardiovascular effects in adults
• Kidney dysfunction
• Reproductive problems

Copper exposure at high levels can lead to:

• Gastrointestinal distress
• Liver and kidney damage

Barium

Naturally occurring in the region's geology, barium can affect:

• Cardiovascular system (increased blood pressure)
• Kidney function
• Respiratory system (with high exposure)

Nitrate and Pesticides

Nitrate levels in Saginaw's municipal water are well below the EPA limit, but private wells near agricultural areas may have higher concentrations. High nitrate is particularly dangerous for infants, causing methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome").

Pesticides detected in some Trinity Aquifer wells (atrazine, diazinon) may cause:

• Endocrine disruption
• Reproductive toxicity
• Potential carcinogenic effects with long-term exposure
• Developmental effects

Total Dissolved Solids, Chloride, Sodium, and Sulfate

These constituents are particularly relevant for private well users accessing the Trinity Aquifer. While not directly toxic at detected levels, they can cause:

• Poor taste and reduced palatability of water
• Scaling and corrosion in plumbing systems
• Potential contribution to hypertension (sodium)
• Possible laxative effects (sulfate)
• Appliance damage and reduced lifespan

Deep Dive on Well Water Quality in the Area

Trinity Aquifer Water Quality

The Trinity Aquifer is a major groundwater source underlying much of North Central Texas, including Tarrant County where Saginaw is located. It consists of several geologic formations, including the Twin Mountains, Glen Rose, Paluxy, Hosston, and Hensell formations, each with distinct water quality characteristics.

The aquifer's water quality is influenced by both natural geochemistry and anthropogenic activities:

Natural Factors Affecting Trinity Aquifer Water:

• Extensive rock-water interaction leads to high mineralization
• Deeper wells typically have higher TDS and salinity
• Natural arsenic occurs in some formations
• Variable water quality across the aquifer system, with significant spatial differences

Anthropogenic Influences:

• Agricultural activities contribute pesticides and nitrates in outcrop areas
• Legacy industrial contamination affects some portions of the aquifer
• Oil and gas activities may impact water quality in certain regions
• Over-pumping can induce upconing of deeper, more saline water

The Trinity Aquifer faces several key water quality challenges:

1. Salinity Issues: More than 70% of deep well samples exceed the EPA secondary standard for TDS (500 mg/L). This high mineral content affects taste and can cause scaling in pipes and appliances.
2. Trace Metal Presence: Arsenic is detected sporadically throughout the aquifer, reflecting both natural geology and potential human activities.
3. Vulnerability to Contamination: The aquifer's recharge areas are susceptible to surface contaminants, including agricultural chemicals and urban pollutants.
4. Variable Water Quality: Well water quality can differ dramatically even between neighboring properties due to depth, specific formation accessed, and local conditions.

Private well owners in the Saginaw area should be particularly vigilant about:

• Regular testing for both regulated and unregulated contaminants
• Monitoring TDS, hardness, and salinity parameters that affect water usability
• Testing for coliform bacteria (not routinely required for private wells)
• Periodic checks for arsenic, pesticides, and fuel-related compounds

Filtration Recommendations for Saginaw

Based on the contaminant profiles for both municipal water and private well water in Saginaw, we recommend targeted filtration approaches for each source.

Municipal Water Filtration Strategy

For Saginaw's municipal water supply, which contains low levels of PFAS, disinfection byproducts, and trace metals, a multi-stage filtration system is optimal:

Recommended Filtration Components:

• Sediment Pre-filtration: Removes particulate matter to protect downstream filtration components
• Activated Carbon Filtration: Highly effective for:
  • Disinfection byproducts (>95% removal)
  • Most PFAS compounds (>90% removal)
  • Chlorine and chloramine
  • Organic contaminants
• Reverse Osmosis: Provides comprehensive protection against:
  • PFAS compounds (>97% removal)
  • Heavy metals including lead and copper
  • Remaining disinfection byproducts
  • Nitrate and fluoride

This combination provides robust protection against the contaminants of concern in Saginaw's municipal water, with redundant barriers for critical pollutants like PFAS and disinfection byproducts.

Private Well Water Filtration Strategy

For Trinity Aquifer well water, which typically has high mineral content and may contain trace contaminants, a more comprehensive approach is required:

Recommended Filtration Components:

• Sediment Pre-filtration: Removes particulates and protects downstream components
• Oxidation System (Air Induction Oxidation or Greensand): Targets:
  • Iron and manganese (common in well water)
  • Partial arsenic removal
• Activated Carbon: Addresses:
  • Pesticides (atrazine, diazinon)
  • Volatile organic compounds (benzene)
  • Taste and odor improvement
• Reverse Osmosis: Essential for reducing:
  • Total Dissolved Solids
  • Sodium, chloride, and sulfate
  • Remaining heavy metals and arsenic
  • Nitrate and fluoride

Well water users should also consider periodic water testing to ensure their filtration system remains appropriate for their specific water chemistry, as Trinity Aquifer water can vary significantly between locations and over time.

Maintenance Considerations

For optimal performance and contaminant removal, filtration systems require regular maintenance:

• Filter Replacement: Sediment and carbon filters typically need replacement every 6-12 months
• Membrane Replacement: RO membranes generally last 2-5 years, depending on water quality
• System Sanitization: Periodic cleaning to prevent bacterial growth
• Water Testing: Annual testing to confirm system efficacy

By implementing these filtration strategies, Saginaw residents can significantly reduce their exposure to both regulated and unregulated contaminants, improving water taste, quality, and long-term health protection.

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