Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

UTILITY

City of Missouri City Mustang Bayou Wate

location

Missouri City, Texas

serves

4,167

source

Surface water

data

2018-2023

Overview

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (April 2024 - June 2024), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Contaminants Detected

1,2,3-Trichloropropane

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.0515 ppb

74x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.0007 ppb

1,2,3-Trichloropropane

1,2,3-Trichloropropane is a potent carcinogen that contaminates drinking water in agricultural regions where it was historically used as soil fumigant. Click here to read more about carcinogenic VOCs.

1,2,3-Trichloropropane was found at 74 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.0007 ppb or less

This Utility

0.0515 ppb

National Average

0.00041 ppb

State Average

0.000489 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.0007 ppb for 1,2,3-trichloropropane was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Arsenic

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.000 ppb

250x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.004 ppb

Arsenic

Arsenic is a potent carcinogen and common contaminant in drinking water. Arsenic causes thousands of cases of cancer each year in the U.S. Click here to read more about arsenic.

Arsenic was found at 250 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.004 ppb or less

This Utility

1 ppb

Legal Limit

10 ppb

National Average

0.624 ppb

State Average

0.942 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.004 ppb for arsenic was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Agriculture

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Atrazine

Potential Effect: harm to the developing fetus

This Utility: 0.310 ppb

3.1x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb

Atrazine

Atrazine is a herbicide commonly detected in drinking water that comes from cornfield and other agricultural runoff. It is a hormone disrupter that harms the male and female reproductive systems of people and wildlife.

Atrazine was found at 3.1 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

0.31 ppb

Legal Limit

3 ppb

National Average

0.0145 ppb

State Average

0.056 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for atrazine was defined by EWG based on epidemiological studies of human exposure to atrazine in drinking water.. This health guideline protects against harm to the developing fetus, harm to the reproductive system and hormone disruption.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Agriculture

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Bromodichloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 2.11 ppb

35x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.06 ppb

Bromodichloromethane

Bromodichloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Bromodichloromethane was found at 35 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

2.11 ppb

National Average

5.89 ppb

State Average

6.5 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Chlorite

Potential Effect: change in blood chemistry

This Utility: 482.5 ppb

9.6x

EWG's Health Guideline: 50 ppb

Chlorite

Chlorite is a disinfection byproduct resulting from water treatment with chlorine dioxide. Chlorite decreases hemoglobin levels and causes other hematologic effects.

Chlorite was found at 9.6 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

50 ppb or less

This Utility

482.5 ppb

Legal Limit

1,000 ppb

National Average

202.6 ppb

State Average

203.1 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 50 ppb for chlorite was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against change in blood chemistry.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Chloroform

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.99 ppb

5x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.4 ppb

Chloroform

Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.

Chloroform was found at 5 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.4 ppb or less

This Utility

1.99 ppb

National Average

16.2 ppb

State Average

7.52 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Dibromochloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.54 ppb

15x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb

Dibromochloromethane

Dibromochloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Dibromochloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dibromochloromethane was found at 15 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

1.54 ppb

National Average

3.55 ppb

State Average

5.95 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Nitrate

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.396 ppm

2.8x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.14 ppm

Nitrate

Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical, frequently contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff, and discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks. Excessive nitrate in water can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase the risk of cancer. Click here to read more about nitrate.

Nitrate was found at 2.8 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.14 ppm or less

This Utility

0.396 ppm

Legal Limit

10 ppm

National Average

0.824 ppm

State Average

0.525 ppm

Health Risks

The EWG health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppm = parts per million

Pollution Sources

Agriculture

Runoff & Sprawl

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.

Aluminum

This Utility: 4.06 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 600 ppb

Aluminum

Aluminum is a metal released from metal refineries and mining operations. Too much aluminum exposure can impair children's brain development.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

600 ppb or less

This Utility

4.06 ppb

National Average

26.4 ppb

State Average

36.2 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 600 ppb for aluminum was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Barium

This Utility: 112.3 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 700 ppb

Barium

Barium is a mineral present in rocks, soil and water. High concentrations of barium in drinking water increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

700 ppb or less

This Utility

112.3 ppb

Legal Limit

2,000 ppb

National Average

39.5 ppb

State Average

85.5 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 700 ppb for barium was defined by EWG as benchmark that protects against harm to the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Bromoform

This Utility: 0.368 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.5 ppb

Bromoform

Bromoform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromoform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

0.5 ppb or less

This Utility

0.368 ppb

National Average

1.44 ppb

State Average

3.34 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.5 ppb for bromoform is based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer, harm to reproduction and child development, and change to fetal growth and development .

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Chromium (total)

This Utility: 2.64 ppb

No EWG Health Guideline

Chromium (total)

Chromium is a naturally occurring metal, but industrial uses can elevate its levels in water. One form, hexavalent chromium, causes cancer. Total chromium is not a good indicator of the amount of hexavalent chromium in drinking water.

How your levels compare

This Utility

2.64 ppb

Legal Limit

100 ppb

National Average

0.471 ppb

State Average

0.463 ppb

EWG Health Guideline

Not yet determined

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Fluoride

This Utility: 0.716 ppm

No EWG Health Guideline

Fluoride

Fluoride occurs naturally in surface and groundwater and is also added to drinking water by many water systems to prevent cavities and support oral health in people.

In 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services updated its recommendation of an optimal level of 0.7 parts per million, or ppm, added to drinking water based on the health benefits of tooth decay prevention. Studies have shown that fluoride added to community water systems at this level reduces dental cavities, especially in children.

And studies have conclusively shown that fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash can also provide these benefits.

How your levels compare

This Utility

0.716 ppm

Legal Limit

4 ppm

National Average

0.49 ppm

State Average

0.491 ppm

EWG Health Guideline

Not yet determined

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppm = parts per million

Pollution Sources

Industry

Treatment Byproducts

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Hexadecanoic acid

This Utility: 3.65 ppb

No EWG Health Guideline

Hexadecanoic acid

Hexadecanoic acid, also called palmitic acid, is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in animal and plant lipids.

How your levels compare

This Utility

3.65 ppb

National Average

7.49 ppb

State Average

7.49 ppb

EWG Health Guideline

Not yet determined

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Manganese

This Utility: 4.26 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 100 ppb

Manganese

Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is common in food and drinking water. Excessive manganese exposures may impair children's attention, memory and intellectual capacity. Click here to read more about manganese.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

100 ppb or less

This Utility

4.26 ppb

National Average

8.66 ppb

State Average

5.36 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 100 ppb for manganese was defined by the state of Minnesota as a health risk limit, the concentration of a contaminant that can be consumed with little or no risk to health. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Ion Exchange

Metolachlor

This Utility: 0.113 ppb

No EWG Health Guideline

Metolachlor

Metolachlor is a herbicide applied on corn, soybeans and other crops. The EPA has classified metolachlor as a possible human carcinogen.

How your levels compare

This Utility

0.113 ppb

National Average

0.00549 ppb

State Average

0.00362 ppb

EWG Health Guideline

Not yet determined

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Agriculture

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Octadecanoic acid

This Utility: 9.10 ppb

No EWG Health Guideline

Octadecanoic acid

Octadecanoic acid, also called stearic acid, is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in animal and plant lipids.

How your levels compare

This Utility

9.1 ppb

National Average

17.1 ppb

State Average

17.1 ppb

EWG Health Guideline

Not yet determined

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Selenium

This Utility: 1.92 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 30 ppb

Selenium

Selenium is an essential element in diets. But too much selenium can decrease thyroid hormone production and cause hair loss, skin lesions and brittle fingernails.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

30 ppb or less

This Utility

1.92 ppb

Legal Limit

50 ppb

National Average

0.29 ppb

State Average

0.693 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 30 ppb for selenium was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against hair loss and nail damage.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Simazine

This Utility: 0.0175 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb

Simazine

Simazine is a hormone-disrupting herbicide related to atrazine. It affects the male and female reproductive systems. In studies of laboratory animals, simazine increases blood levels of estrogen, decreases prolactin and progesterone, and causes mammary and ovarian tumors.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

0.0175 ppb

Legal Limit

4 ppb

National Average

0.00278 ppb

State Average

0.0191 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for simazine was defined by EWG based on epidemiological studies of human exposure to atrazine in drinking water. This health guideline protects against harm to the developing fetus, harm to the reproductive system and hormone disruption.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Agriculture

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.

Other Contaminants Tested

Chemicals tested for but not detected:

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, 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 2,2-Dichloropropane, 2,3-Dichlorobiphenyl, 2,4,5-T, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4,5-Trichlorobiphenyl, 2,4-DB, 2-Chlorobiphenyl, 2-Hexanone, 22'3'46-Pentachlorobiphenyl, 22'33'44'6-Heptachlorobiphenyl, 22'33'45'66'-Octachlorobiphenyl, 22'44'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl, 22'44'56'-Hexachlorobiphenyl, 3,5-Dichlorobenzoic acid, 3-Hydroxycarbofuran, Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Acetone, Acifluorfen (Blazer), Acrylonitrile, Alachlor (Lasso), Aldicarb, Aldicarb sulfone, Aldicarb sulfoxide, Aldrin, alpha-Chlordane, Anthracene, Antimony, Asbestos, Baygon (Propoxur), Bentazon (Basagran), Benzene, Benzo[a]anthracene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[g,h,i]perylene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Beryllium, Bromacil, Bromobenzene, Bromochloroacetic acid, Bromochloromethane, Bromomethane, Butachlor, Butyl benzyl phthalate, Cadmium, Carbaryl, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chloramben, Chlordane, Chloroethane, Chloromethane, Chrysene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,3-Dichloropropene, Combined uranium, Dalapon, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Di-n-butyl phthalate, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene, Dibromoacetic acid, Dibromomethane, Dicamba, Dichloroacetic acid, Dichlorodifluoromethane, Dichloromethane (methylene chloride), Dichlorprop, Dieldrin, Diethyl phthalate, Dimethyl phthalate, Dinoseb, Endrin, Ethyl methacrylate, Ethylbenzene, Fluorene, gamma-Chlordane, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, Iodomethane, Isopropylbenzene, Lindane, m-Dichlorobenzene, Mercury (inorganic), Methiocarb, Methomyl, Methoxychlor, Methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl isobutyl ketone, Methyl methacrylate, Metribuzin, Monobromoacetic acid, Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene), MTBE, n-Butylbenzene, n-Propylbenzene, Naphthalene, Nitrate & nitrite, Nitrite, o-Chlorotoluene, o-Dichlorobenzene, Oxamyl (Vydate), p-Chlorotoluene, p-Dichlorobenzene, p-Isopropyltoluene, Pentachlorophenol, Phenanthrene, Picloram, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Propachlor, Pyrene, Quinclorac, Radium, combined (-226 & -228), sec-Butylbenzene, Silver, Styrene, tert-Butylbenzene, Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), Tetrahydrofuran, Thallium, Toluene, Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Toxaphene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, trans-Nonachlor, Trichloroacetic acid, Trichloroethylene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Trifluralin, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total)

Find A Filter

Utility: 

City of Missouri City Mustang Bayou Wate
view utility

Carbon Filters

FILTERS 6 contaminants exceeding guidelines (+5 others)

Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.

pros

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Reduced maintenance

cons

  • Does not remove all contaminants

Reverse Osmosis

FILTERS 8 contaminants exceeding guidelines (+10 others)

Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.

pros

  • Most effective

cons

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires more maintenance
  • Wastes water

Other Considerations

Ion Exchange

Pros: Softens hard water, Reduces some contaminants

Cons: Doesn’t remove all contaminants

Whole-House Filters

Pros: Useful for reducing radiologicals and TCE

Cons: Expensive to install and maintain, Risk of bacterial contamination

Distillation

Pros: Removes heavy metals and harmful microbes

Cons: Does not reduce most contaminants

Explore filter options for each contaminant. See which technologies are effective at reducing specific contaminants to help you make an informed decision on the best water treatment solution for your needs.

CONTAMINANTS ABOVE HEALTH GUIDELINES activated carbon reverse osmosis ion exchange
1,2,3-Trichloropropane
Arsenic
Atrazine
Bromodichloromethane
Chlorite
Chloroform
Dibromochloromethane
Nitrate
OTHER CONTAMINANTS DETECTED activated carbon reverse osmosis ion exchange
Aluminum
Barium
Bromoform
Chromium (total)
Fluoride
Hexadecanoic acid
Manganese
Metolachlor
Octadecanoic acid
Selenium
Simazine