Myth: Local Water Records Identify Bacteria Levels at Your Tap
The EPA’s public water system records for the City of San Angelo, serving Tom Green County, show health-based violations for bacteria. However, these records reflect conditions measured system-wide, not your home's specific water quality. They indicate that bacterial detections have occurred in the municipal surface water supply, but do not define the bacterial presence in any individual household’s tap water. Only a direct test of your home's water can establish whether bacteria are present in your supply.
Myth: Treated Water Is Unchanged in Bacterial Content at the Tap
Using specialized treatment, such as the Autotrol Bacteria & Coliform (Well) Filter, significantly alters water's bacterial quality. This system is designed to reduce bacteria by filtering agents that cause contamination, including coliform bacteria commonly found in surface water. Once water passes through this equipment, the bacterial content at the tap will be lower compared to untreated water. The system ships ready to configure for residential use and targets bacterial issues identified in surface water supplies like those serving Tom Green County.
Myth: Knowing Local Bacteria Violations Is Sufficient for Choosing Treatment
While municipal records identify system-wide bacterial violations, choosing the right treatment equipment requires understanding your household's daily water demand. Treatment capacity varies by system, so comparing your average daily water usage with the filter’s capacity ensures effective performance. Without this, even a capable bacteria filter might underperform. Documenting your household’s water use patterns is essential before selecting equipment.
Myth: All Bacteria Filters Work the Same Against Municipal Water Challenges
The Autotrol system operates by physically removing bacteria and coliform organisms from water drawn from surface supplies, utilizing advanced filtration technology. This process differs from chemical treatments or other mechanical filters by targeting bacteria and coliform specifically, improving water quality even where the distribution system has recorded violations. Understanding this distinct mode of action helps households select an effective solution aligned with local water characteristics.
Myth: Plumbing Materials Impact Bacterial Content in the Supply Water
Lead levels in Tom Green County homes are independent of the municipal source water and come primarily from plumbing materials and household piping age. The City of San Angelo’s most recent 90th percentile lead measure was low, indicating limited distribution system contamination. However, bacteria presence is separate from plumbing material influences. Plumbing may contribute to isolated bacterial issues, but it does not affect the broader surface water source where bacterial detections are documented.
Final Step: Confirm Your Household's Water Quality with a Direct Bacteria Test
To conclusively determine whether bacteria affect your household water, order a bacterial analysis of your tap water. This test will reveal if bacteria or coliform are present in your supply, providing the information needed to decide if a specialized filter like the Autotrol Bacteria & Coliform (Well) Filter is appropriate. With this result, you can make an informed choice tailored to your home's actual water quality requirements.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2024-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA SDWIS record for CITY OF SAN ANGELO (TX2260001), surface water supply, serving 105229 people: 2 health-based violations of 6 total; lead 90th percentile 0.0043 mg/L