Is The Water In Odessa, Texas Making Men Go Bald?

I recently heard a rumor that prolonged drinking of the local tap water in Odessa, Texas, is accelerating men's baldness.  Any claim like this is definitely something to look into so I dove into the rumors to see if there was any truth to it.

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Some locals claim that drinking water from the tap makes their hair fall out at an accelerated rate.  If there were any truth to the rumor, what would actually cause this to happen?  There are several issues that would cause this (if it were indeed true) so lets take a look at possible reasons this COULD happen.

1.) High Concentration of Fluoride or Chlorine

Natural water out of the ground has no additives in it.  However, in most metropolitan areas in Texas, many communities have added chemicals like fluoride.  The reasoning as to why varies, but regardless, it's deliberately placed in the drinking water.  High concentrations of added chemicals could generate accelerated hair loss in some.  Prolonged consumption can damage hair follicles or the ability to grow natural hair.

2.) High Levels of Heavy Metals

Metals such as lead can find their way into the drinking water.  This could be from old lead pipes or other various methods.  Heavy metals in drinking water over time can cause multiple health issues which would include possible hair loss.  However, the city monitors metals in the water and is regulated to keep those levels at an acceptable rate.

3.) Chemical Contaminants

Contaminants in the drinking water can come from multiple sources.  From pesticides to chemicals related to the oil industry.  Chemicals seeping into the drinking water is a possibility, especially since we live in a region with a large industrial presence.  Chemicals can cause a wide variety of issues within the body.  Potential hair loss is only one of the many things someone can experience if they consume chemically contaminated drinking water over time. 

Is The Rumor True?

Technically speaking, there is no absolute proof that the drinking water is causing hair loss.  Odessa has what we call "hard water".  Hard water is a high concentration of dissolved minerals such as calcium or magnesium.  It can cause dry or irritated skin, a build-up on water faucets, or residue build-up on dishes.  It is likely anyone who has exceedingly hard water may mistake the effects of hard water on their scalp for damaged hair follicles.  Now, is it possible?  Yes, it is possible that the water is somehow linked to baldness in the area.  Is it likely?  That remains to be seen.  

Source:

This rumor was seen on a local Facebook group where there was an entire conversation on if this is really a thing.  I reached out to The City of Odessa to get comment on the matter but was unable to reach anyone who could comment.