City of McKinney

WHERE DO WE GET OUR MUNICIPAL WATER? The City of McKinney sources its municipal water through purchased surface water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). The NTMWD system includes five surface water reservoirs: Lavon Lake (primary source), Jim Chapman Lake, Lake Texoma, Lake Tawakoni, and the East Fork Raw Water Supply Project (Wetland). For NTMWD inquiries, call 972-442-5405.

UNDERSTANDING POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS
All tap water, including bottled varieties, originates from sources like rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, while also collecting substances from animal or human activities. While the presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk, it's important to understand what might be in your water.

Potential contaminant sources include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, farming, or oil/gas production
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while the FDA sets similar standards for bottled water, both designed to protect public health.

SECONDARY CONSTITUENTS
Elements like calcium, sodium, and iron commonly found in municipal water can affect taste, color, and odor. These secondary constituents are regulated by Texas state authorities rather than the EPA, as they affect aesthetics but don't pose health concerns.

SEASONAL TASTE AND ODOR ISSUES
During July and August, surface water sources naturally experience algae blooms. Blue-green algae species Nostoc and Anabaena release organic compounds causing earthy or grassy tastes and odors. While aesthetically unpleasant, these seasonal changes don't compromise water safety. NTMWD monitors water quality daily and implements additional treatment processes during algae bloom periods.

CRYPTOSPORIDIUM MONITORING
NTMWD has consistently tested both source and treated water for Cryptosporidium, with all samples testing negative. This microscopic parasite affects digestive systems, with healthy individuals typically recovering within weeks. Monitoring continues diligently.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS AT RISK
Certain groups may be more vulnerable to contaminants: the elderly, infants, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, those on steroid treatments, and individuals with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about drinking water safety. Additional Cryptosporidium prevention guidelines are available through the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

CHLORAMINE DISINFECTION
NTMWD uses chloramines for disinfection to reduce disinfection byproducts while maintaining protection against waterborne disease. This method requires special consideration for dialysis patients, as it can cause hemolytic anemia if not properly removed from dialysis water. Medical centers should evaluate filtration needs for all equipment. Additionally, chloraminated water can be toxic to fish, requiring appropriate water treatment for aquariums.

.. ...