San Antonio Water Testing

Regulatory compliance tells you that San Antonio's water system is meeting standards that were last meaningfully updated nearly two decades ago. Independent researchers at the EWG have identified 15 contaminants in SAWS water that exceed science-based health thresholds, including disinfection byproducts at more than 100 times the EWG recommended level. Compliance and safety are not the same benchmark, and neither one tells you what is coming out of your specific tap after traveling through your home's plumbing.

Read more: Why Drinking Water Sickens a Million Americans a Year.

The Edwards Aquifer water that supplies most of San Antonio has naturally elevated bromide content. When that water is treated with chlorine, the bromide reacts to form brominated trihalomethane compounds at concentrations higher than what typically occurs in surface-water systems. This is a chemistry issue specific to the aquifer's geology, not a treatment failure, but it does mean San Antonio tap water carries a byproduct profile that stands out nationally. Our Contaminant Glossary explains what trihalomethanes are, how they form, and what the research says about long-term exposure.

Yes. Homes built before 1986 may contain lead solder, lead pipes, or lead-containing fixtures that can leach into drinking water even when the city’s source water tests look good. A system-wide Consumer Confidence Report reflects water quality across the utility, not the conditions inside your specific home, so older homes with original plumbing are more likely to warrant a dedicated tap test.

Yes. PFAS contamination in San Antonio is linked in part to military base activity in and around the region. Persistent use of firefighting foam at installations near the city has contributed to PFAS entering local groundwater. SAWS is participating in ongoing EPA monitoring under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, and current data shows trace PFBS detections in the system. Our PFAS "Forever Chemical" Drinking Water Test screens for 18 compounds and is available as a standalone addition to any standard kit. 

Read more: PFAS Is Not Going Away.

For SAWS city water customers, the Premium Water Test covers 113 substances including lead, heavy metals, bacteria, trihalomethanes, VOCs, radon, and a full hardness panel, making it a practical starting point for San Antonio's known contaminant profile. For the most thorough available screening, the Ultimate Water Test covers 249 substances and is the stronger choice for homes near the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, legacy industrial sites, or Bexar County well owners. Reach out before ordering and one of our experts will help you decide based on your specific address and water source.

Contact us, and we will walk through your results together at no extra charge. Every order includes a free consultation with one of our in-house water quality experts who will explain what each finding means in plain terms and tell you what, if anything, needs to be done about it. We do not sell treatment products, so the guidance has no agenda. Our Well and City Water FAQ also covers the scenarios we see most often from Texas customers.