In the midst of America’s most profitable oil and gas regions, the small Texas town of Toyah is facing a water crisis that has been years in the making. Since June 2018, residents have been under a boil water notice, depriving many, predominantly low-income and Hispanic locals, of safe drinking water for almost five years.
Midland residents have long been concerned about the safety of their tap water, and it’s a concern that touches every family. The presence of contaminants like arsenic,chloroform, bromodichloromethane, and dibromochloromethane, known to pose health risks, have been detected in the city’s water supply. We at AquaOx understand that and want to give you all the information you need to protect your family.
Despite the city’s continuous efforts and compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards, the potential dangers these contaminants present cannot be overlooked. The question remains: Is Midland’s tap water safe for your family? This article delves into the intricacies of Midland’s water quality, offering insights and exploring the pressing need for robust solutions to ensure the water flowing from your taps is not just clear, but clean and safe for all.
Protecting Midland Families: The Truth About Your Tap Water
Delving into the heart of Midland, Texas, it’s vital to understand the very substance that sustains its residents – water. The City of Midland, being transparent and committed to its citizens, publishes annual water quality reports on their official website^1^. Delving deeper into the numbers, we find that Midland’s water hardness dances between 400-600 parts per million^2^.
The diligent team at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) hasn’t been left behind in this quest for clarity. They’ve actively tested Midland’s drinking water, offering a comprehensive database of their findings for everyone to access^3^. Here’s a nugget of information that might surprise you: about 67% of the water you consume in Midland is courtesy of the Colorado River Municipal Water District. This body brings forth treated surface water straight from the Colorado River^4^.
But here’s where things get a bit cloudy. In a revealing 2021 study, Midland unfortunately found itself ranked as having the ninth worst water quality out of 200 cities examined nationwide^5^. And the story doesn’t end there. Two years earlier, in 2019, another investigation flagged a concern: the arsenic levels in Midland’s water frequently surpassed 20 ppb throughout the study’s duration^6^.
Empowered with this knowledge, it’s our collective responsibility to ensure we offer the cleanest and safest water for our loved ones. AquaOx is here to help navigate these waters and ensure you “live clean and green.”
Sources
- Water Quality Reports | Midland, TX – Official Website
- Water Quality – Midland, TX
- City of Midland – EWG Tap Water Database
- What Is the Quality of Water in Midland? – Basin Water Solutions
- Midland ranks at bottom of national list for water quality
- Inorganic Pollutants in the Water of Midland and Odessa, Permian Basin, West Texas – Jose Rodriguez, Joonghyeok Heo, Joonkyu Park, Seong-Sun Lee, Kristyn Miranda, 2019
Midland’s Drinking Water: Understanding Contaminants and Their Impact
The purity of the water that flows from our taps is a topic that weighs heavily on our minds. Drawing insights from the City of Midland’s water quality report, the intricate dance of molecules in our water becomes clear. Remarkably, the city tests its water system for a whopping 97 contaminants. This extensive list encompasses inorganic and organic compounds, as well as disinfectants and the byproducts they sometimes leave behind^1^.
Peering into the findings of the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database, we learn that Midland’s water carries with it traces of substances like chloroform, bromodichloromethane, and dibromochloromethane^2^. These aren’t just fancy words; they come with implications. The exposure to such contaminants has been linked to significant health concerns including the potential development of certain types of cancer, reproductive challenges, and developmental complications^2^.
The plot thickens with the 2019 revelation that Midland’s water showcased elevated levels of arsenic. This isn’t just a tiny speck on a scientist’s microscope; arsenic in water can manifest as skin ailments, circulatory issues, and, in dire situations, even cancer^6^.
Now, it’s essential to tread with caution and balance here. The mere presence of these contaminants doesn’t stamp the water as harmful to health outright. Seeking deeper understanding, and if you have a thirst for more detailed insights into contaminants and the health risks they pose, consider reaching out to the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791^3^.
Sources
- [PDF] 2021 – water quality report
- City of Midland – EWG Tap Water Database
- [PDF] FACTS ON TAP: CITY OF MIDLAND WATER SYSTEM
- What Is the Quality of Water in Midland? – Basin Water Solutions
- Toxicologist Explains Midland Water Contamination From Baker Hughes Leak – CBS7
- Inorganic Pollutants in the Water of Midland and Odessa, Permian Basin, West Texas – Jose Rodriguez, Joonghyeok Heo, Joonkyu Park, Seong-Sun Lee, Kristyn Miranda, 2019
Midland’s Tap Water Woes: Droughts, Tests, and Rankings
Recent headlines out of Midland reveal a tale of a city wrestling with its water challenges, many of which have been magnified due to sweltering temperatures and prolonged drought conditions leading to troublesome water line disruptions^4^. Come January 2023, the city was holding its breath, eagerly awaiting the nod of approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) concerning testing samples it had dispatched^2^.
For those seeking a deeper dive into the city’s water quality, the annual reports are ready and waiting on the city’s official portal^13^. Yet, not all news has been of clear skies and smooth sailing. A startling revelation from a March 2021 study painted Midland in a less than favorable light, positioning it at the ninth spot for subpar water quality among 200 cities nationwide^5^.
Want to augment your understanding even further? The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database has rolled out the red carpet, providing a treasure trove of information regarding the quality of water coursing through Midland^6^.
Sources
- Reports and Notices | Midland, TX – Official Website
- Timeline of Midland water issues and what to expect moving forward | newswest9.com
- Water Quality Reports | Midland, TX – Official Website
- High temps and drought conditions cause water line breaks in Midland – CBS7
- Midland ranks at bottom of national list for water quality
- City of Midland – EWG Tap Water Database
AquaOx is Midland’s Home Water Filtration System Solution
Your health and the health of your loved ones are invaluable. Despite Midland’s commitment to safe drinking water, the concerns surrounding potential contaminants cannot be ignored. Ensuring the safety and purity of your water should be a priority. Make a choice for health, safety, and peace of mind. The AquaOx whole home water filtration system is a formidable shield against impurities, ensuring every drop you and your family come in contact with is devoid of harmful elements. Our commitment to excellence, combined with cutting-edge technology and a tradition of helping people like you in Midland, makes us the preferred choice for households seeking the best in water purification. Dive into a world where water is not just clear but also clean. By choosing AquaOx, you’re not just investing in your home; you’re investing in the health and well-being of your community.
FAQ’s
Q1: What impact have high temperatures and drought had on Midland’s water?
They’ve led to water line breaks and infrastructure challenges in the city.
Q2: Where can I find detailed reports about Midland’s water quality?
Midland’s official website offers annual water quality reports for public viewing.
Q3: How does Midland rank in terms of water quality on a national scale?
A 2021 study positioned Midland as ninth in terms of poor water quality out of 200 cities.
Q4: Are there other sources to verify water contaminants in Midland?
The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database is a comprehensive resource on this topic.
Q5: Has the water quality been directly affected by the recent drought in Midland?
The drought has mostly led to infrastructure issues like water line breaks. For water quality specifics, the city’s annual reports or the EWG database would be informative.