When Should You Have Your West Texas Tap Water Tested?

Tap water has gotten a bad rap over the years, leading some homeowners to regularly test their water quality. I think this is a great idea, especially in rural west Texas where well water can sometimes be... questionable.

Signs That Show You Need to Test Your Water

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided a list of conditions that, if present in your house, are clear indicators that something's up with your tap water:

• Gastro-intestinal illnesses
• Hand soap no longer fully lathers
• Questionable taste or smell
• Water appears frothy, colored, or cloudy
• Gas drilling nearby
• Salty taste
• Toilets or washing machines are stained

It's also recommended that you test your water at least once per year for different bacteria, nitrates, and total pH levels.

Fun Fact: pH stands for "potential Hydrogen" and indicates the acidity of water. On a scale of 0 to 14, pH less than seven tells you your water is more acidic, whereas a pH greater than seven means the water is more basic (less hydrogen ions).

How Flouride can Help City Water

Good news! Texas cities take care of public water supplies in multiple ways, one of which being the addition of flouride.

I'm sure the first thing you think of when hearing 'flouride' is toothpaste, and you're right! This naturally occurring mineral is highly beneficial in oral health, which is why it is commonly added to public drinking water.

In fact, Lubbock County has about 79 water systems that are routinely flouridated. You can check out the full list of Lubbock water systems on the CDC website.

So, in addition to being regularly maintained and tested, you can bet your bottom dollar that Lubbock water is safe to drink. And who knows, maybe if you skip a day on brushing your teeth, you can thank the city water for not giving you cavities...