Chemicals in Drinking Water

Arsenic, Fluoride, Nitrate, and Nitrite - Inorganic Contaminants in Drinking Water

All water contains inorganic compounds unless it is distilled. Common inorganic contaminants—arsenic, fluoride, nitrate and nitrite— their health effects, monitoring and sampling, maximum contaminant levels , and treatment options.

Disinfection Byproducts

What are disinfection byproducts, how do they form, and how public water systems can control them.

NEW Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) and Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) 

The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) modify the Lead and Copper Rule. All community and non-transient non-community public water systems are required to comply with key aspects of the LCRR starting October 16, 2024. The EPA published the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) October 30, 2024. Learn more about resources and guidance for complying with these new rules.

Lead and Copper Rule

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) program protects public health by minimizing lead and copper in drinking water and applies to all community water systems and non-transient non-community water systems. Find information about guidance, forms and information for public water systems (PWSs), laboratories, and the public.

NEW Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) In Drinking Water

PFAS that are regulated and their maximum contaminant levels and hazard levels. Requirements for public water systems’ PFAS monitoring, and timeframe for system compliance.

Radionuclide Testing for Interim Approval of Well Completion

Required testing, required checklists, and other information for completing a well interim approval.

Radionuclides

Information on the occurrence of radionuclides in public water systems (PWSs) in Texas, long-term risks to health, treatment options, compliance determination and public notification requirements.

Secondary Constituents

Established guidelines to assist public water systems in managing their drinking water for aesthetic considerations, such as taste, color, and odor. These contaminants are not considered to present a risk to human health at the secondary levels.

Monitoring, Testing, and Reporting

Public Water System Chemical Sampling and Monitoring Frequency
Basic information for public water systems about sampling and monitoring requirements.

Accredited Labs for Sample Analysis
Basic information for public water systems about sampling and monitoring requirements.

Understanding Chemical Analysis Results
Reading and interpreting the results of chemical analyses reported to public water systems by a drinking water laboratory.

Consumer Confidence Report
Guidance and instructions to help community public water systems to prepare a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

Public Notice Templates for Public Water Systems
Public water systems must notify consumers about violations of microbial, chemical, or surface water treatment standards for drinking water. Find required public notice language and certificate of delivery documents by contaminant.