City of Austin Water & Wastewater Water Company

Austin Water is the City of Austin's water and wastewater utility. The EPA requires every community water system to publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report); the latest is the Austin Water 2025 Water Quality Report . According to Austin Water's 2017 report, the City's water met all federal and state standards with no violations that year. The summary below is based on that 2017 report unless another year is given.

According to the 2017 report, the public can take part through Austin City Council meetings; meeting information is at austintexas.gov/department/city-council/council-meetings.

WATER RESOURCES
According to Austin Water's 2017 report, 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, treated and filtered to federal and state standards. 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 are reported in Austin Water's annual water quality report. For more information on source water assessments, contact Austin Water at 512-972-1000.

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; its 2017 report says it was detected in lake water tested that year.

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. Where does City of Austin Water & Wastewater water come from?
   City of Austin Water & Wastewater (Austin Water) supplies treated surface water from the Colorado River, drawn from Lake Travis and Lake Austin.
2. Does City of Austin Water & Wastewater test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, City of Austin Water & Wastewater must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). The latest is the Austin Water 2025 Water Quality Report .
3. How do I contact City of Austin Water & Wastewater?
   Call 512-972-1000 or visit 301 W. Second St., Austin, TX 78701, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does City of Austin Water & Wastewater water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is City of Austin Water & Wastewater water hard?
   Moderately hard. According to the Austin Water 2025 Water Quality Report, hardness averages 93 ppm (5.4 grains per gallon) and ranges from 4.1 to 7.4 gpg. You can also test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.