City of Austin Water & Wastewater

Austin Water delivers premium quality municipal water that offers exceptional value and reliability to residents. This annual Municipal Water Quality Report provides comprehensive information about Austin's water supply. The City of Austin's water met all federal and state quality standards with zero violations in 2017. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all municipal water providers to publish annual water quality reports for consumers. Este reporte incluye información importante sobre el agua para tomar. Para asistencia en español, favor de llamar al 512-972-0214.

Public participation opportunities are available through Austin City Council meetings held on Thursdays. Meeting information can be found at austintexas.gov/department/city-council/council-meetings.

WATER RESOURCES
Austin residents receive water from three treatment plants that draw surface water from the Lower Colorado River as it flows into Lake Travis and Lake Austin. The city treats and filters water according to strict federal and state standards to remove potential contaminants. Water sources nationwide (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells.

As water travels over land surfaces or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can be contaminated by animals or human activity. The Lower Colorado River watershed extends many miles upstream through agricultural and urban areas. Possible contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses and bacteria)
• Inorganic contaminants (salts and metals)
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture and urban runoff
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes
• Radioactive materials that occur naturally

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure tap water safety. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water. Municipal water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants without posing health risks. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has completed an assessment of Austin's source water and results indicate some sources are susceptible to certain contaminants. Water sampling requirements are based on this susceptibility and previous sampling data. Any contaminant detections will be reported in this Consumer Confidence Report. For more information on source water assessments, contact Austin Water's Regulatory Manager at 512-972-0021.

SPECIAL NOTICE
Immunocompromised individuals may be more vulnerable to certain microbial contaminants like Cryptosporidium. This includes infants, some elderly persons, those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people on steroid treatments, and individuals with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. Additional guidelines on reducing infection risk are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

All surface water sources are potentially susceptible to Cryptosporidium contamination. Austin Water monitors for Cryptosporidium in lake water, and it was detected in lake water tested in 2017.

FLUORIDE AND INFANTS
Water fluoridated at optimal levels for oral health (as used in Austin) poses no known health risks for infants. However, some children may develop enamel fluorosis, a cosmetic condition where faint white markings appear on teeth. Fluorosis can affect both baby teeth and permanent teeth while forming under the gums.

If concerned about fluorosis, you can reduce your baby's fluoride exposure through breastfeeding or by using ready-to-feed formula. You may also alternate between tap water and non-fluoridated water for formula preparation. If using only non-fluoridated water, your doctor may recommend fluoride supplements starting at six months.

WATER LOSS
The Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) measures water loss control effectiveness. It's calculated by dividing actual losses (water lost through leaks) by unavoidable real losses, the theoretical minimum leakage level determined by American Water Works Association Standards. For Austin Water's 2017 ILI, visit austinwater.org/waterquality.

1. What contaminants are most concerning in Austin's water supply?
   The primary contaminants of concern include Chlordane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, and Chromium, along with elevated water hardness levels that can damage plumbing and appliances.
2. How often is Austin's municipal water tested?
   Austin Water conducts regular testing throughout the year in compliance with EPA and TCEQ requirements, with results published in annual water quality reports.
3. Does Austin add fluoride to its water supply?
   Yes, Austin Water adds fluoride to maintain optimal levels for dental health, though parents of infants may want to consult with healthcare providers about fluoride exposure.
4. Where does Austin's municipal water come from?
   Austin sources its water from the Lower Colorado River as it flows into Lake Travis and Lake Austin, treating it at three water treatment facilities.
5. How can residents get more information about their water quality?
   Residents can request a free water quality report, attend city council meetings, or contact Austin Water directly at 512-972-1000.