Van Alstyne's Home for Water Treatment in Texas

Yes. Van Alstyne’s tap water is treated to meet drinking water requirements, but trace contaminants, minerals, disinfectants, and treatment-related byproducts can still be present. That is one reason many homeowners choose water filtration for better taste, added confidence, and extra protection at the tap.

Van Alstyne uses a blend of groundwater and surface water. The groundwater comes from deep aquifers, including the Woodbine and Trinity aquifers. The surface water is purchased through the North Texas Municipal Water District and Greater Texoma Utility Authority, with water coming from Bois d’Arc Lake and treated at the Leonard Water Treatment Plant. Because the city blends different sources, water quality can vary by area and over time.

Van Alstyne’s water can feel different because the city uses a blend of groundwater and surface water. The groundwater may have a softer or “slick” feel, while the surface water can contain higher mineral levels and feel harder. This is why some homeowners may notice changes in taste, feel, spotting, or scale depending on where they live and how the water is being blended.

Van Alstyne uses chloramines as a disinfectant residual. The water quality information lists chlorine residual as chloramines, with an average level of 2.21 ppm and a lowest result of 0.46 ppm. Chloramines help control microbes in the distribution system, but they can also contribute to chemical taste or odor. A properly selected whole-house carbon filtration system can help reduce disinfectant taste and smell throughout the home.

Yes. Van Alstyne testing reported Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) at 9 ppb and Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 21 ppb. The report also listed individual disinfection byproducts, including chloroform at 6.05 ppb, bromoform at 1.34 ppb, bromodichloromethane at 7.53 ppb, and dibromochloromethane at 5.86 ppb. These byproducts can form when disinfectants react with organic material, which is why many homeowners choose carbon filtration or whole-house water treatment for extra protection at the tap.

Yes. The water quality information lists bromate at 2.5 ppb, chlorine dioxide at an average level of 0.014 ppm, and chlorite at an average level of 0.105 ppm. These are tied to water treatment and disinfection processes. Even when treatment-related compounds are within requirements, homeowners may still choose filtration to help reduce unwanted tastes, odors, and byproducts before water is used for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

Van Alstyne’s water quality information listed 0 positive total coliform samples and 0 positive fecal coliform or E. coli samples. It also listed Cryptosporidium and Giardia as lower than detectable levels. Even when microbiological results look reassuring, many homeowners still prefer reverse osmosis or whole-house filtration for added peace of mind.

Testing detected several regulated and monitored contaminants in Van Alstyne water, including nitrate up to 0.598 ppm, barium at 0.028 ppm, fluoride at 0.225 ppm, beta/photon emitters at 4.1 pCi/L, sodium at 34.6 ppm, sulfate at 93.2 ppm, total dissolved solids at 253 ppm, total alkalinity as CaCO3 at 133 ppm, and total hardness as CaCO3 at 144 ppm. These results help show why in-home water testing can still be valuable, even when water is treated before it reaches the home.

Copper was reported at a 90th percentile level of 0.109 ppm, while lead was reported at a 90th percentile level of 0.0008 ppm. The lead and copper table also listed 1 site over the action level for lead. Lead and copper can enter water through household plumbing, fixtures, and service lines, so homes with older plumbing may benefit from a water test and a drinking water system designed to reduce metals.

Yes. The report lists three returned-to-compliance items. Two were Lead Consumer Notice items related to notification requirements for lead and copper tap sample results. The third was a Consumer Confidence Report adequacy, availability, or content item related to lithium monitoring information not being included in an earlier report. Even after a system returns to compliance, many homeowners still want extra confidence from in-home water testing and filtration.

Van Alstyne reported total hardness as CaCO3 up to 144 ppm, with a detected range of 96 to 144 ppm. That level can be high enough for many homeowners to notice spots on dishes, buildup around fixtures, dry-feeling skin, or soap that does not lather well. A water softener can help reduce hardness minerals before they move through the home.

Van Alstyne’s water quality information listed minerals and secondary constituents including calcium at 52.4 ppm, sodium at 34.6 ppm, sulfate at 93.2 ppm, manganese at 0.090 ppm, and total dissolved solids at 253 ppm. Minerals and dissolved solids can affect taste, odor, staining, and how water feels. A water test can help identify whether a softener, whole-house filter, reverse osmosis system, or combination system is the right fit.

PFAS test results were not listed in the Van Alstyne water quality information provided. That does not mean homeowners are not concerned about PFAS. Testing requirements and water quality priorities can change, and many families choose advanced filtration, such as reverse osmosis, for added protection against a wider range of potential contaminants.

Many Van Alstyne homeowners can benefit from a water filter, especially if they want to reduce chloramine taste, disinfection byproducts, trace contaminants, lead concerns, dissolved solids, or changing water conditions from blended sources. A local water test can help determine whether a whole-house filter, reverse osmosis system, water softener, or combination system makes the most sense for your home.

You can access Van Alstyne’s Water Quality Report here.