Arlington Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Arlington tap water has notable issues that residents should consider. With 135 ppm hardness (7.9 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA limits — a water filter is strongly recommended. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Action Needed
Quality issues detected
7.9 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Arlington Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Arlington tap water has significant quality concerns that may require action.
6 contaminants were tested in Arlington's water. 5 were detected, and 1 exceeds EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFOS at 4.27 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt) — exceeds the EPA safety limit. 4 other PFAS compounds were also detected within limits.
A man-made "forever chemical" formerly used in Scotchgard, firefighting foam, and industrial processes. Associated with increased cholesterol, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and certain cancers.
→ A reverse osmosis (RO) or NSF-certified activated carbon filter can reduce PFOS by 90% or more.
Lead — Lead (1.02 ppb) is at 7% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 405K people in the Arlington area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Arlington has PFAS levels exceeding EPA limits. A reverse osmosis (RO) filter or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is recommended to reduce PFAS in your drinking water. With hard water (135 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Arlington Water?
135 ppm
7.9 grains per gallon
Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
May dry out skin & hair
Kitchen
Spots on dishes
Laundry
Clothes may feel stiff
Appliances
Scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 135 ppm, Arlington has hard water. You may notice white spots on dishes, dry skin after showering, and mineral buildup on fixtures. A water softener can help reduce these effects, though it's not strictly necessary for health — hard water is safe to drink.
Based on 253 samples from TODO: Add from CCR ()
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Arlington tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Arlington
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
1.02 ppb
Arlington lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2023-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
1 PFAS chemical exceeds EPA limits
+ 1 more PFAS compounds detected
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels.
Other Detected Contaminants
6 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFBA | 6.36 ppt Range: 0-8 UCMR5 - 7/8 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFBS | 4.08 ppt Range: 0-5.9 UCMR5 - 6/8 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 4.2 ppt Range: 0-5 UCMR5 - 7/8 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/8 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 4.27 ppt Range: 0-4.6 UCMR5 - 3/8 samples detected - Max 4.6 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 107% of limit |
PFPEA | 4.59 ppt Range: 0-6.5 UCMR5 - 7/8 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Arlington's Water?
Utility Name
CITY OF ARLINGTON
EPA System ID (PWSID)
TX2200001
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
405K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Arlington tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Texas
Houston
Moderate water
San Antonio
Very Hard water
Dallas
Hard water
Austin
Very Hard water
Fort Worth
Hard water
El Paso
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: TODO: Add from CCR ()