Fort Worth Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Fort Worth tap water has significant quality concerns that may require action.
15 contaminants were tested in Fort Worth's water. 15 were detected, and 3 exceed EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFHxS at 19.2 ppt (EPA limit: 10 ppt), PFOS at 7 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt), PFOA at 6.2 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt) — exceed the EPA safety limit. 5 other PFAS compounds were also detected within limits.
A "forever chemical" used as a replacement for PFOS in firefighting foams and industrial applications. May affect thyroid function, the immune system, and liver health.
→ A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter can reduce PFHxS levels.
Disinfectants — Chloramine is at 3.4 ppm — 85% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A disinfectant made from chlorine and ammonia, used as an alternative to chlorine. Lasts longer in the distribution system. Safe at regulated levels. Produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, but can be harmful to fish and dialysis patients.
→ Catalytic carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove chloramine. Standard carbon filters are less effective.
Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Arsenic at 1.2 ppb (12% of EPA limit).
Disinfection Byproducts — 3 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Bromate at 3.1 ppb (31% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.9 ppm (23% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 956K people in the Fort Worth area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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, Fort Worth 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.
Range: 76.5–175 ppm
Based on 253 samples from Fort Worth Water Quality Report 2024 (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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
3 ppb
Fort Worth lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
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”
3 PFAS chemicals exceed EPA limits
+ 4 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.
Chloramine
85% of EPA limit
Range: 0.63–4.7 ppm
Bromate
31% of EPA limit
Range: 0–10.9 ppb
Fluoride
23% of EPA limit
Range: 0.14–0.9 ppm
Haloacetic Acids
18% of EPA limit
Range: 1.5–12.8 ppb
Other Detected Contaminants
15 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Total Trihalomethanes | 13 ppb Range: 0-20 Very low - ozone treatment at Eagle Mountain plant | 80 ppb | Safe 16% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids | 11 ppb Range: 1.5-12.8 | 60 ppb | Safe 18% of limit |
Fluoride | 0.9 ppm Range: 0.14-0.9 | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 23% of limit |
Nitrate | 0.7 ppm Range: 0.12-0.7 | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 7% of limit |
Chloramine | 3.4 ppm Range: 0.63-4.7 MRDL 4 ppm. Max 4.7 ppm exceeds MRDL in individual samples | 4 ppm | Caution 85% of limit |
Arsenic | 1.2 ppb Range: 0-1.2 | 10 ppb 0 | Safe 12% of limit |
Bromate | 3.1 ppb Range: 0-10.9 Max 10.9 ppb exceeds MCL in individual samples. By-product of ozone treatment | 10 ppb 0 | Safe 31% of limit |
PFOA | 6.2 ppt Range: 0-6.2 North Holly WTP Jan 2024. Exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt. UCMR5 system avg 4.5 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 155% of limit |
PFOS | 7 ppt Range: 0-7 North Holly WTP Jan 2024. Exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt. UCMR5 system avg 4.6 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 175% of limit |
PFHxS | 19.2 ppt Range: 0-19.2 North Holly WTP Jan 2024. Nearly 2x EPA MCL of 10 ppt | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Exceeds 192% of limit |
PFBS | 4.9 ppt Range: 0-7.2 UCMR5 + CCR combined | N/A | Safe |
PFBA | 8.44 ppt Range: 5.3-13 UCMR5 system data | N/A | Safe |
PFPEA | 8.56 ppt Range: 3.3-16.3 UCMR5 system data | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 9.24 ppt Range: 3.7-17.3 UCMR5 system data | N/A | Safe |
PFHPA | 3.77 ppt Range: 0-4.5 UCMR5 system data | 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 Fort Worth's Water?
Utility Name
CITY OF FORT WORTH
EPA System ID (PWSID)
TX2200012
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
956K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Worth tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Texas
Houston
Moderate water
San Antonio
Very Hard water
Dallas
Hard water
Austin
Very 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: Fort Worth Water Quality Report 2024 (2024) • View report