Dallas Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Dallas tap water has contaminants that exceed current EPA standards. 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 — the EPA recommends certified filtration. 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 Dallas Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Dallas tap water has contaminants that exceed current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
8 contaminants were tested in Dallas's water. 8 were detected, and 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFOA at 1.6 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt), PFOS at 0.8 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt) — exceed the EPA maximum contaminant level.
A man-made "forever chemical" historically used in non-stick coatings (Teflon), food packaging, and firefighting foam. According to the EPA and IARC, long-term exposure has been associated with increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects.
→ A reverse osmosis (RO) or NSF-certified activated carbon filter can reduce PFOA by 90% or more.
Disinfectants — Total Chlorine is at 2.97 ppm — 74% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
The total amount of chlorine in water, including both free chlorine and combined chlorine (chloramines). At typical levels, safe to drink. Ensures water remains protected from bacteria throughout the distribution system.
→ Activated carbon filters effectively reduce total chlorine levels.
Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Barium at 0.04 ppm (2% of EPA limit).
Disinfection Byproducts — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) at 17 ppb (28% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.629 ppm (16% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 1.4M people in the Dallas area.
Based on publicly available data from Dallas Water Utilities / Web Sources (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Dallas has PFAS levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA suggests that NSF-certified reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can reduce PFAS levels. With hard water (135 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Dallas 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, Dallas 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. Hard water is generally not a health concern according to the WHO.
Range: 140–160 ppm
Based on 491 samples from Dallas Water Utilities / Web Sources (2024)
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 Dallas 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 Dallas
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
1.09 ppb
Dallas lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, 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 and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: 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”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Total Chlorine
74% of EPA limit
Range: 2.77–3.1 ppm
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
28% of EPA limit
Range: 3.4–25.8 ppb
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
24% of EPA limit
Range: 9–25.5 ppb
Fluoride
16% of EPA limit
Range: 0.598–0.664 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
8 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Fluoride | 0.629 ppm Range: 0.598-0.664 | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 16% of limit |
Nitrate (as N) | 0.834 ppm Range: 0.638-1.09 | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 8% of limit |
Barium | 0.04 ppm Range: 0.033-0.045 | 2 ppm Goal: 2 ppm | Safe 2% of limit |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 19.1 ppb Range: 9-25.5 Highest LRAA | 80 ppb | Safe 24% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 17 ppb Range: 3.4-25.8 Highest LRAA | 60 ppb | Safe 28% of limit |
Total Chlorine | 2.97 ppm Range: 2.77-3.1 | 4 ppm | Caution 74% of limit |
PFOA | 1.6 ppt Range: 0-6.3 Avg 1.6 ppt, max 6.3 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt - 2024 CCR | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 40% of limit |
PFOS | 0.8 ppt Range: 0-5.1 Avg 0.8 ppt, max 5.1 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt - 2024 CCR | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 20% of limit |
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 maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Dallas's Water?
Utility Name
DALLAS WATER UTILITY
EPA System ID (PWSID)
TX0570004
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
1.4M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dallas tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Texas
Houston
Moderate water
San Antonio
Very Hard water
Austin
Very Hard water
Fort Worth
Hard water
El Paso
Very Hard water
Arlington
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: Dallas Water Utilities / Web Sources (2024) • View report