Harris County Renews Water Testing Equipment for Pollution Control

Harris County Commissioners Court approved renewing a contract with Agilent Technologies for specialized water testing equipment. This Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) system helps Pollution Control Services test our water for heavy metals and other harmful substances. The renewal runs from August 2026 to August 2027 and costs $133,184. This equipment protects our health by detecting dangerous chemicals in drinking water, groundwater, and surface water across Harris County. When industries discharge waste or accidents happen, this testing identifies contamination quickly. The system can detect tiny amounts of lead, mercury, arsenic, and other toxic metals that hurt our families. Pollution Control Services uses these test results to enforce environmental laws and keep our water safe. They monitor water quality near schools, neighborhoods, and businesses throughout Harris County. Clean water affects everyone - from kids drinking at school fountains to families using well water. This contract shows our county government investing in tools that protect public health. To learn more about water quality in your area, contact Harris County Pollution Control Services. You can also attend Commissioners Court meetings where these decisions happen. Court meetings are public and held most Tuesdays. Citizens can speak during public comment periods about environmental concerns in their neighborhoods.

This equipment tests our water for dangerous metals like lead and mercury that can make families sick. Quick testing helps keep drinking water safe in schools and neighborhoods across Harris County.