Dallas Water Utility

This report provides essential information about the Dallas water program, including our source water, detected contaminant levels, and compliance with municipal water guidelines. We've created this report to address your water quality concerns and questions.

Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) maintains a "Superior" Rating from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) - the highest possible ranking. Dallas' water consistently meets or exceeds all State and Federal quality standards and is safe for consumption.

For additional information, please contact Dallas' 311 Information Line. It's important to note that all water, including bottled water, naturally contains some level of contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more details about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the U.S. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

The U.S. EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure tap water safety. Similarly, the FDA sets limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Regarding Cryptosporidium: This microscopic intestinal parasite occurs naturally in the environment and spreads through human and animal waste. If ingested, it can cause cryptosporidiosis (symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps). Exposure can happen through contaminated water, undercooked food, contact with animal waste, or contaminated surfaces.

During 2017, Dallas continued testing for cryptosporidium in untreated water. While detected in untreated sources since testing began in 1993, cryptosporidium has never been found in Dallas' treated municipal water. Immunocompromised individuals (including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, those on steroid therapy, and people with HIV/AIDS) should consult their healthcare providers about appropriate precautions.

Dallas actively protects its watersheds from contamination and enhances treatment processes. For more information on cryptosporidium, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or visit http://water.epa.gov/drink/hotline/index.cfm.

The TCEQ has assessed Dallas' source water, finding some sources potentially susceptible to certain contaminants. Sampling requirements are based on this susceptibility and previous data. Any detected contaminants appear in this Consumer Confidence Report.

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, while potentially picking up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential source water contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, and farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or oil/gas production and mining

Water quality issues affecting taste, color, or odor don't necessarily indicate health concerns. For questions about water aesthetics, contact Dallas Water Utilities at (214) 670-0915.

Regarding water conservation: In the water loss audit submitted to the Texas Water Development Board (October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017), Dallas' system lost approximately 6.62% of total input volume. For questions about this audit, please call Dallas' 311 Information Line.

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