Sierra Blanca Tap Water Quality Report
Sierra Blanca's water has 6 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.
Utility
SIERRA BLANCA WATER
People Served
2,045
MCL Violations
0
Last Updated
Jun 27, 2022
Is Sierra Blanca Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Sierra Blanca's water has 6 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Sierra Blanca's water.
The data below shows test results from SIERRA BLANCA WATER SYSTEM, which serves 2,045 people in the Sierra Blanca area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated Jun 27, 2022.
Sierra Blanca Water Quality Test Results
Key Water Quality Metrics
Contaminants Detected
⚠️ Contaminants Above EPA MCLG (6)
Arsenic
What is Arsenic?
Naturally occurring element that has both inorganic and organic forms
Health Effects
The EPA drinking water standards for arsenic are based on adverse effects to the cardiovascular, pulmonary and liver systems in drinking water with inorganic arsenic, as well as an increased risk of cancer. Long term health effects of total arsenic in drinking water include bladder, GI tract, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas and skin cancer, cardiovascular effects, pulmonary and gastrointestinal effects, ocular, immunological, neurological and reproductive effects. Arsenic found in epidemiological studies include developmental effects, socioeconomic and genotoxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Uranium
What is Uranium?
Uranium is a weakly radioactive heavy metal found naturally in bedrock and used in nuclear weapons, some ceramics, electron microscopy stains, photography toners, and certain fertilizers. Uranium is weakly radioactive because all of its isotopes (Uranium-234, Uranium-235, and Uranium-238) are unstable. Ninety-nine percent of naturally existing uranium is in the isotope form uranium-238. The EPA has established a maximum contaminant level for uranium in drinking water in response to human and animal studies indicating kidney toxicity and and increased risk of cancer.
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for uranium are based on adverse kidney system effects observed in both humans and animals and an increased risk of cancer. Animal studies have also shown female reproductive system and developmental toxicity, as well as genotoxicity, related to uranium exposure.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Gross Alpha (Excl. Radon and Uranium)
What is Gross Alpha (Excl. Radon and Uranium)?
Gross alpha activity is a measure of the total alpha particle activity in a water sample, excluding radon and uranium. It is used to assess the presence of radioactive contaminants in drinking water.
Health Effects
Exposure to high levels of alpha radiation can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly in the bones and other tissues where alpha particles can deposit energy.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Gross Alpha Activity
What is Gross Alpha Activity?
Gross alpha activity measures the total amount of radioactivity in a water sample emitted by decaying alpha-emitting elements, notably radioactive isotopes of uranium, radium, and radon. Alpha emitters are used to treat cancer, as an eliminator of static in paper mills and in other products like smoke detectors. Radioactive atoms release high energy alpha particles that pull electrons off of the atoms in cells. This process is called ionizing radiation, and may lead to harmful changes in cells and tissues. The toxicity of an alpha emitter depends on the amount of energy it releases and how organ systems respond to that energy. Exposure to elevated gross alpha activity is associated with increased cancer risk and genotoxicity, but toxicity to individual systems is dependent on the type of alpha emitter present.
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for gross alpha activity have been developed based on increased cancer risk associated with alpha radioactivity. Alpha radiation has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Total THMs
What is Total THMs?
Group of contaminants that form in drinking water systems when a disinfectant, typically chlorine, reacts with organic matter
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for total THMs are based on evidence of carcinogenicity in human and animal studies, as well as liver and kidney toxicity observed in animal studies. Individual THMs have been further associated with developmental, immune, spleen, and genotoxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Fluoride
What is Fluoride?
Naturally occurring mineral in the environment and an essential element of tooth enamel
Health Effects
Elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water can lead to dental fluorosis in children, which is the discoloration and molting away of tooth enamel. Evidence on low-dose, chronic exposure to fluoride is not definitive but has been indicated as having potential neurological impacts. Studies have clearly established that long-term exposure to high doses of fluoride, higher than typically found in US drinking water, can have adverse effects on skeletal tissue (bones and teeth), which may cause higher risk of bone fractures in seniors. Skeletal fluorosis is a debilitating condition caused by high fluoride exposure during bone development in children.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Understanding the Data
This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG). Contaminants above the MCLG are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.
Recommended Water Filters for Sierra Blanca
Based on Sierra Blanca's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.
Solventum Purification Inc.
3MRO401
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
11.48 gpd
Removes 15 contaminants:
Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more
Solventum Purification Inc.
3MRO301
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
11.48 gpd
Removes 15 contaminants:
Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more
iSpring Water Systems LLC
RCC7-BLK
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
25.41 gpd
Removes 9 contaminants:
Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Copper +4 more
iSpring Water Systems LLC
RCC7AK-BLK
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
25.41 gpd
Removes 9 contaminants:
Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Copper +4 more
Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing
With 6 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.
SimpleLab
Advanced Home Water Test
$369
Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.
SimpleLab
Standard Home Water Test
$232
Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.
Tap Score
Advanced Microplastics Test
$636
Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sierra Blanca Tap Water
Sierra Blanca's water has 6 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Sierra Blanca's water.