City of Richardson Water Company

Richardson Water Utility staff members are dedicated to delivering safe, "superior" quality water to all customers. The "Superior" rating from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) reflects our team's commitment to protecting public health through reliable water service.

The Water Resources department operates as a city and county water distribution and wastewater collection utility owned by the City of Richardson. We purchase wholesale treated water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), which draws from several surface water sources including Lake Lavon, Lake Chapman, Lake Texoma and Lake Tawakoni.

Our infrastructure includes five pump stations, seven ground storage tanks, and eight elevated storage containers with a total capacity of 36.25 million gallons. Our distribution system delivers up to 98.9 million gallons daily through 544 miles of water mains, 4,625 fire hydrants and 34,358 metered service connections.

Daily testing occurs at multiple points throughout Richardson to ensure water quality remains consistent and safe. As water travels across land or through soil, it naturally collects minerals and can pick up substances from human and animal activity. Potential contaminants in untreated water may include organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, and in some cases, radioactive materials.

Effective watershed management by everyone helps keep pollutants out of our lakes and waterways, which is far more economical than removing them later at treatment facilities. The NTMWD conducts daily testing on source water, water during processing, and finished water before distribution.

All municipal water contains some level of contaminants, including bottled water. This doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

During hot summer months with minimal rainfall, algae often bloom in our surface water reservoirs. This natural occurrence happens primarily in July and August when warm temperatures and clear water create ideal conditions for algae growth. While these blooms can cause an earthy taste in treated water, they don't impact the safety of your water supply.

To address taste and odor concerns during algal blooms, NTMWD uses activated carbon as an absorption medium and potassium permanganate as an oxidizing agent. Chlorine disinfection also helps reduce odors while maintaining water safety according to TCEQ and EPA standards.

1. Where does City of Richardson water come from?
   City of Richardson supplies purchased surface water to Richardson, Texas.
2. Does City of Richardson test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, City of Richardson must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact City of Richardson?
   Call 972-744-4100 or visit 411 W. Arapaho Rd, Richardson, TX 75080, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does City of Richardson 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 Richardson water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can 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.