Water Quality: Lubbock, TX

Long-term exposure increases risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological effects.

Common source: Natural rock deposits, agricultural pesticides, industrial waste

EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)

Increases blood pressure and causes cardiovascular effects with long-term exposure.

Common source: Natural rock deposits, oil drilling operations, coal power plant waste

EPA limit: 2 mg/L

Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.

Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter

Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.

Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply

EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)

Linked to increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects with long-term exposure.

Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water

EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)

Causes neurological damage, developmental delays in children, and kidney damage in adults even at low exposure levels.

Common source: Old plumbing pipes, lead solder, brass fixtures

EPA limit: Action Level: 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb)

Hair loss, nail brittleness, and nervous system damage at elevated concentrations.

Common source: Natural geological deposits, mining discharges, oil refinery waste

EPA limit: 0.05 mg/L (50 ppb)

Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids that increase cancer risk and may cause adverse reproductive outcomes.

Common source: Chlorine disinfection reacting with natural organic matter in source water

EPA limit: TTHM: 0.080 mg/L; HAA5: 0.060 mg/L