National Drinking Water Database

• Read the Research
• Get a Water Filter
• Tips for Safe Water
• FAQs
• EWG Needs Your Help. As little as $5 can help.

City of Edcouch - Mcallen, TX

---

Serves 2,874 people - Test data available: 2004-2007

This drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality . It is part of EWG's national database that includes 47,667 drinking water utilities and 20 million test results. Water utilities nationwide detected more than 300 pollutants between 2004 and 2009. More than half of these chemicals are unregulated, legal in any amount. Despite this widespread contamination, the federal government invests few resources to protecting rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater from pollution in the first place. The information below summarizes test results for this utility and lists potential health concerns.

	This Drinking Water System	National Average
Exceed Health GuidelinesTests showing chemicals at concentrations above health guidelines established by federal and state health agencies. These guidelines are typically set at a levels that pose no significant health risk.	11 chemicals	4
Health Standard ExceedencesChemicals detected at concentrations above the legal limit, the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCLs) established by the U.S. EPA. Most MCLs are based on annual averages, so exceeding the MCL for one test does not necessarily indicate that the system is out of compliance.	6 chemicals	0.5
Pollutants FoundThe total number of contaminants detected since 2004, according to data provided by the state water agency.	24 chemicals	8
Tests ConductedThe total number of number of water quality tests conducted by water utilities and recorded in data provided by the state water agency.	802 tests	420

Contaminants Exceeding Health Guidelines

Contaminant	Average/ Maximum Result	Health Limit Exceeded	Legal Limit Exceeded	Testing History -Tested      -Detected      -Over Health Guidelines      -Over Legal Limit*
Monochloroacetic acidMonochloroacetic acid is a disinfection byproduct regulated by EPA as one of five haloacetic acids that are formed when chlorine, chloramines or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water.	72.66 ppb 171.4 ppb	Yes 70 ppb	Yes 60 ppb
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)Total trihalomethanes constitute the sum of four disinfection byproducts: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform.	182.56 ppb 229.2 ppb	Yes 9.8 ppb	Yes 80 ppb
DibromochloromethaneDibromochloromethane is a disinfection byproduct from the trihalomethane (THM) family, and is formed when chlorine, chloramines or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water.	72.24 ppb 109.1 ppb	Yes 0.4 ppb	Yes 80 ppb
BromodichloromethaneBromodichloromethane is a disinfection byproduct from the trihalomethane (THM) family, and is formed when chlorine, chloramines or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water.	60.46 ppb 100.3 ppb	Yes MCLGA non-enforceable health goal that is set at a level at which no known or anticipated adverse effect on the health of persons occurs and which allows an adequate margin of safety. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.: 0 ppb	Yes 80 ppb
Dichloroacetic acidDichloroacetic acid is a disinfection byproduct regulated by EPA as one of five haloacetic acids that are formed when chlorine, chloramines or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water.	39.93 ppb 78.9 ppb	Yes MCLGA non-enforceable health goal that is set at a level at which no known or anticipated adverse effect on the health of persons occurs and which allows an adequate margin of safety. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.: 0 ppb	Yes 60 ppb
AluminumAluminum is a metal released from metal refineries and mining operations.	146.35 ppb 235 ppb	Yes 200 ppb	Yes 200 ppb
ChloroformChloroform is a disinfection byproduct from the trihalomethane (THM) family, and is formed when chlorine, chloramines or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water.	42.62 ppb 72.8 ppb	Yes 5.7 ppb	No 80 ppb
BromoformBromoform is a disinfection byproduct from the trihalomethane (THM) family, and is formed when chlorine, chloramines or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water.	26.41 ppb 62.86 ppb	Yes MCLGA non-enforceable health goal that is set at a level at which no known or anticipated adverse effect on the health of persons occurs and which allows an adequate margin of safety. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.: 0 ppb	No 80 ppb
Trichloroacetic acidTrichloroacetic acid is a disinfection byproduct regulated by EPA as one of five haloacetic acids that are formed when chlorine, chloramines or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water.	20.41 ppb 38.3 ppb	Yes 20 ppb	No 60 ppb
Arsenic (total)Arsenic contaminates drinking water due to mining runoff, erosion of natural deposits, emissions from glass and electronics processing and the use of arsenical compounds as wood preservatives and pesticides.	2.26 ppb 3.49 ppb	Yes MCLGA non-enforceable health goal that is set at a level at which no known or anticipated adverse effect on the health of persons occurs and which allows an adequate margin of safety. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.: 0 ppb	No 10 ppb
AtrazineAtrazine is an endocrine-disrupting herbicide used on corn, sugarcane and sorghum; it is associated with adverse reproductive effects and toxicity to the immune system.	0.04 ppb 0.27 ppb	Yes 0.15 ppb	No 3 ppb
NOTE: Each dot in the above graph represents one month. * Water utilities are noted as exceeding the legal limit if any test is above the maximum contaminant level (MCL). Most MCLs are based on annual averages so exceeding the MCL for one test does not necessarily indicate that the system is out of compliance.

Other Detected Contaminants

Contaminant	Average/ Maximum Result	Health Limit Exceeded	Legal Limit Exceeded	Testing History -Tested      -Detected      -Over Health Guidelines      -Over Legal Limit*
Dibromoacetic acidDibromoacetic acid is a disinfection byproduct regulated by EPA as one of five haloacetic acids that are formed when chlorine, chloramines or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water.	23.37 ppb 46.5 ppb	No	No 60 ppb
Bromochloroacetic acidBromochloroacetic acid is a disinfection byproduct, and is formed when chlorine, chloramines or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water.	31.03 ppb 52.5 ppb	No	Legal at any levelThis is the Federal Limit. State Limits may be lower.
Monobromoacetic acidMonobromoacetic acid is a disinfection byproduct regulated by EPA as one of five haloacetic acids that are formed when chlorine, chloramines or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water.	6.76 ppb 17.6 ppb	No	No 60 ppb
NitrateNitrate enters drinking water sources from fertilizer runoff, leaching septic tanks, and erosion of natural deposits; it is also emitted by chemical, petrochemical and metal-finishing industries.	0.65 ppm 0.97 ppm	No 10 ppm	No 10 ppm
Barium (total)Barium is a mineral that enters drinking water through drilling and mining waste runoff, discharges from chemical industries and erosion of natural deposits.	112.5 ppb 127 ppb	No 700 ppb	No 2000 ppb
AcetoneAcetone is a ubiquitous industrial solvent and chemical intermediate used in manufacture of plastic, fibers, cosmetics, photographic film and many other kinds of consumer goods.	6.49 ppb 7.16 ppb	No 6000 ppb	Legal at any levelThis is the Federal Limit. State Limits may be lower.
CopperCopper is a naturally occuring metal and drinking water contaminant that enters tap water by corrosion of household plumbing systems and erosion of natural deposits.	22.33 ppb 27.4 ppb	No 300 ppb	No 1000 ppb
ManganeseManganese is a naturally occurring element released from mineral deposits as well as industrial use.	1.75 ppb 3.4 ppb	No 50 ppb	No 50 ppb
Chromium (total)Chromium is a metal that pollutes drinking water due to discharge from steel and pulp mills and erosion of natural deposits.	1.79 ppb 3.35 ppb	No 100 ppb	No 100 ppb
Selenium (total)Selenium is a naturally occurring element that contaminates water due to mining or petrolum refining, fly-ash from coal-burning power plants, and irrigation of arid farmland soils high in selenium.	1.84 ppb 7.35 ppb	No 50 ppb	No 50 ppb
EthylbenzeneEthylbenzene is a pollutant from petroleum refineries and industrial chemical factories; it is also used to make plastics, and may be present as an impurity in some insecticides.	0.19 ppb 0.75 ppb	No 300 ppb	No 700 ppb
o-Xyleneo-Xylene is a petroleum-derived solvent used in the printing, rubber, and leather industries; it is also used as a cleaning agent, a thinner for paint, and an ingredient in paints and varnishes.	0.25 ppb 0.98 ppb	No 10000 ppb	No 10000 ppb
Gross beta particle activity (pCi/L)Beta particles are a form of radiation frequently associated with nuclear testing and radioactive mineral deposits.	7 pCi/L 7 pCi/L	No	No 15 pCi/L
NOTE: Each dot in the above graph represents one month. * Water utilities are noted as exceeding the legal limit if any test is above the maximum contaminant level (MCL). Most MCLs are based on annual averages so exceeding the MCL for one test does not necessarily indicate that the system is out of compliance.

Contaminants Not Detected - 103 chemicals

1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,1-Dichloropropene, 1,2 Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,3-Trichloropropane, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 2,2-Dichloropropane, 2-Hexanone, Acrylonitrile, Alachlor (Lasso), Aldrin, Alpha Chlordane, Alpha particle activity, Antimony (total), Aroclor 1016, Aroclor 1221, Aroclor 1232, Aroclor 1242, Aroclor 1248, Aroclor 1254, Aroclor 1260, Benzene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Beryllium (total), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Bromacil, Bromobenzene, Bromochloromethane, Bromomethane, Butachlor, Cadmium (total), Carbon tetrachloride, Chloroethane, Chloromethane, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,3-Dichloropropene, Di(2-Ethylhexyl) adipate, Dibromomethane, Dichlorodifluoromethane, Dichloromethane (methylene chloride), Dieldrin, Endrin, Ethyl Methacrylate, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Iodomethane, Isopropylbenzene, Lead (total), Lindane, m- & p- Xylene, m-Dichlorobenzene, Mercury (total inorganic), Methoxychlor, Methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl isobutyl ketone, Methyl methacrylate, Metolachlor, Metribuzin, Monochlorobenzene (Chlorobenzene), Mtbe, n-Butylbenzene, n-Propylbenzene, Naphthalene, Nitrite, o-Chlorotoluene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Chlorotoluene, p-Dichlorobenzene, p-Isopropyltoluene, Pentachlorophenol, Propachlor, Radium-228, sec-Butylbenzene, Silver (total), Simazine, Styrene, tert-Butylbenzene, Tetrachloroethylene, Tetrahydrofuran, Thallium (total), Toluene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, Trans-Nonachlor, Trichloroethylene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Vinyl acetate, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total)

Pollution Summary

24	Total Contaminants Detected (2004 - 2007) Aluminum, Arsenic (total), Barium (total), Chromium (total), Copper, Manganese, Nitrate, Selenium (total), Atrazine, Acetone, Monochloroacetic acid, Dichloroacetic acid, Trichloroacetic acid, Monobromoacetic acid, Dibromoacetic acid, Bromochloroacetic acid, Chloroform, Bromoform, Bromodichloromethane, Dibromochloromethane, Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Ethylbenzene, o-Xylene, Gross beta particle activity (pCi/L)
5	Agricultural Pollutants (pesticides, fertilizer, factory farms) Arsenic (total), Nitrate, Selenium (total), Atrazine, Ethylbenzene
5	Sprawl and Urban Pollutants (road runoff, lawn pesticides, human waste) Arsenic (total), Copper, Nitrate, Acetone, o-Xylene
11	Industrial Pollutants Aluminum, Arsenic (total), Barium (total), Chromium (total), Manganese, Nitrate, Selenium (total), Acetone, Ethylbenzene, o-Xylene, Gross beta particle activity (pCi/L)
11	Water Treatment and Distribution Byproducts (pipes and fixtures, treatment chemicals and byproducts) Monochloroacetic acid, Dichloroacetic acid, Trichloroacetic acid, Monobromoacetic acid, Dibromoacetic acid, Bromochloroacetic acid, Chloroform, Bromoform, Bromodichloromethane, Dibromochloromethane, Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
9	Naturally Occurring (naturally present but increased for lands denuded by sprawl, agriculture, or industrial development) Aluminum, Arsenic (total), Barium (total), Chromium (total), Copper, Manganese, Nitrate, Selenium (total), Gross beta particle activity (pCi/L)
2	Unregulated Contaminants EPA has not established a maximum legal limit in tapwater for these contaminants Acetone, Bromochloroacetic acid

EPA Violation Summary

Violation Category	Number of Violations
MCL and Treatment (click see violations)close	14
Violation Date of Violation Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 2006/07/01 - 2006/09/30 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total haloacetic acids (HAAs) 2006/07/01 - 2006/09/30 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total haloacetic acids (HAAs) 2006/10/01 - 2006/12/31 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 2006/10/01 - 2006/12/31 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total haloacetic acids (HAAs) 2007/01/01 - 2007/03/31 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 2007/01/01 - 2007/03/31 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total haloacetic acids (HAAs) 2007/04/01 - 2007/06/30 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 2007/04/01 - 2007/06/30 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 2007/07/01 - 2007/09/30 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total haloacetic acids (HAAs) 2007/07/01 - 2007/09/30 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total haloacetic acids (HAAs) 2007/10/01 - 2007/12/31 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 2007/10/01 - 2007/12/31 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 2008/01/01 - 2008/03/31 Over maximum contaminant level, Average Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 2008/04/01 - 2008/06/30
Reporting (click see violations)close	14
Violation Date of Violation Filter Turbidity Reporting 2005/03/01 - 2005/03/31 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2005/05/01 - 2005/05/31 Failure to report information to the public or state agency in the Consumer Confidence Report 2004/07/01 - 2005/03/31 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2005/01/01 - 2005/01/31 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2006/02/01 - 2006/02/28 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2006/03/01 - 2006/03/31 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2006/04/01 - 2006/04/30 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2007/06/01 - 2007/06/30 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2007/08/01 - 2007/08/31 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2007/09/01 - 2007/09/30 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2008/10/01 - 2008/10/31 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2008/11/01 - 2008/11/30 Public Notification Violation for National Primary Drinking Water Regulations 2004/05/01 - 2025/12/31 Filter Turbidity Reporting 2005/09/01 - 2005/09/30
Monitoring (click see violations)close	1
Violation Date of Violation Failure to monitor, Routine Major (Coliform bacteria) 2004/01/01 - 2004/01/31

Information on violations is drawn directly from EPA's national violations database in the Agency's Safe Drinking Water Information System. Analyses by others have raised questions about the quality of the information in EPA's database. For the purposes of this investigation, EWG is not showing below or including in our analyses, those violations for individual water suppliers that occurred on days for which the total number of violations assigned by EPA to that water supplier was greater than 20. This criteria was based on common characteristics of incorrect violations data as identified by water utilities, from a review of EPA's violations data by several hundred utilities prior to the release of EWG's investigation.