Dallas Water Quality: What You Need to Know in 2025

If you're reading this article, you may be wondering, "Is Dallas tap water safe to drink?" From Uptown Dallas to Oak Cliff, residents are paying closer attention to their water quality. Dallas meets Texas drinking water quality standards, but that doesn't always mean it's risk-free.

In this guide, we'll assess your water quality and how a water filter can help you feel better about what you're drinking.

 

01 | Who Regulates Dallas City's Drinking Water?

Understanding Dallas water regulations is the first step in evaluating its quality. Oversight comes from multiple levels.

Federal: The EPA enforces the Safe Drinking Water Act.

State: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) sets statewide drinking water quality standards and designates the city of Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) as a "Superior" Rated Water System.

Local: DWU and local enforcement agencies treat and monitor city water.

But there's a catch. Not all contaminants have enforceable limits. They monitor them, but they do not fully regulate them.

 

02 | Where Does Dallas City Get Its Water?

Multiple places, and that's part of the challenge. Dallas' water supply sources are a complex operation.

The city draws water from seven surface water sources:

• Elm Fork of the Trinity River
• Lake Ray Roberts
• Lake Lewisville
• Lake Grapevine
• Lake Ray Hubbard (the only reservoir completely owned and operated by the City of Dallas)
• Lake Tawakoni
• Lake Fork

These reservoirs supply water to over 1.3 million people served by DWU, making it one of the largest water systems in the U.S. The city treats water at three treatment plants using settling, filtering, chemicals, and ozone disinfection.

03 | Dallas City's Annual Water Quality Report

Each year, the city publishes the Dallas water quality report, also called the Consumer Confidence Report. The 2024 report shows legal compliance but doesn't always align with the latest health-based guidelines.

Key 2024 Report Findings

*From unregulated contaminant monitoring

Dallas uses chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) and ozone for disinfection. The city also adds fluoride for dental health and uses lime and iron sulfate for corrosion control.

 

04 | What the EWG Found in Dallas' Water

Dallas' official water reports paint one picture, but the Environmental Working Group (EWG) offers another. Their tap water database applies stricter health-based guidelines (not legal limits) and shows troubling findings from testing through 2024.

Test results through 2024 showed 38 contaminants were found in Dallas' water system, with 17 at levels above EWG's health-based limits.

EWG Water Report Findings

PFAS "Forever Chemicals" Also Detected in Dallas Water

PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist for thousands of years. They don't naturally break down in the environment. According to October 2023 testing at the Bachman Water Treatment Plant, the following PFAS were found:

• PFOA: 6.3 parts per trillion (exceeds EPA's 2024 limit of 4 ppt)
• PFOS: 4.4 parts per trillion (exceeds EPA's 2024 limit of 4 ppt)
• PFHxS: 8.8 parts per trillion (above EWG guidelines)
• PFHxA: 9.8 parts per trillion
• PFPeA: 9.2 parts per trillion

DWU provides detailed information about PFAS monitoring and mitigation efforts on their website.

Legal Reaction to Dallas PFAS Water Contamination

In 2024, the EPA finalized first-time drinking water limits for several PFAS chemicals. Dallas was identified among Texas public water systems that reported at least one exceedance of the five chemicals targeted by the EPA.

Dallas filed a lawsuit on January 14, 2025 against 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers to recover costs for PFAS contamination cleanup. These legal actions help fund the expensive, lifelong process of treating water for forever chemicals.

05 | Top Contaminants Threatening Dallas City Water Quality

The city's water utility shows that 12 of the 17 contaminants exceeding EWG's health guidelines are disinfection byproducts. These are chemicals formed when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water.

Health Risks by Contaminant

While Dallas water meets all federal and state legal standards, these contaminants exceed more stringent health-based guidelines recommended by independent researchers.

06 | Health Risks of Contaminants in Dallas Water

Contaminants found in Dallas tap water quality poses several health risks, especially with long-term exposure.

Top Health Concerns

Long-term exposure to multiple contaminants simultaneously can compound health risks, making water filtration an important consideration for Dallas residents concerned about their family's health.

 

07 | Lead Found In Dallas' Schools: Progress & Remaining Risks

Dallas has made progress addressing lead in school drinking water. In 2017, Dallas Independent School District (ISD) tested water at all 227 schools and found elevated levels of lead and copper at seven schools. The district took immediate action to remediate affected schools, demonstrating that localized contamination can occur in aging school infrastructure.

The EPA has allocated funding to Texas schools for lead testing and remediation. In June 2025, $2.1 million was announced specifically for Texas schools and child care facilities. The EPA's new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, finalized in October 2024, requires all public water systems to remove lead pipes within 10 years and conduct more rigorous testing.

Schools remain vulnerable due to aging infrastructure and plumbing fixtures. Regular testing and proactive replacement of lead-containing materials are essential for student safety. Parents concerned about lead exposure in schools should contact their school district for testing results and remediation plans.

 

08 | Treating Dallas City Drinking Water at Home with PRO+AQUA

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The good news? There are effective at-home options to ensure your water safety. PRO+AQUA designs filtration systems that address the unique challenges of Dallas water.

City & Well Water Filtration Systems

Whole house filtration systems provide contaminant-free water for your entire home.

Signs you need it:

• Unpleasant taste or odor
• Discolored or cloudy water
• Visible sediment or particles
• Frequent plumbing issues
• Stains on laundry

Our pick: PRO+AQUA Whole House Well Water Filter

How it works: Captures large particles and heavy metals in multi-stage media tanks before water enters your plumbing system.

You get: Clean water from your kitchen to your bathroom, protecting your family and extending appliance life.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

RO systems provide ultra-pure drinking water at the tap.

Signs you need it:

• Concerns about PFAS or chromium-6
• High TDS (total dissolved solids) levels
• Cloudy or murky water
• Funky tasting or smelling water

Our pick: PRO+AQUA 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

How it works: Uses pressure to push water through a fine membrane, removing PFAS, lead, chromium-6, nitrates, and other harmful impurities.

You get: Safe, high-quality drinking water that meets the most stringent health standards from a system that fits nearly under your kitchen sink.

Water Softening Bundles

Softening systems tackle Dallas' extremely hard water while providing filtration.

Signs you need it:

• Dry hair and skin after showering
• Chalky buildup on water fixtures
• Stiff or faded laundry
• Soap doesn't lather well
• White spots on dishes

Our pick: PRO+AQUA 3-Stage Filter and Softener Bundle

How it works: Attracts positively-charged calcium and magnesium to negatively-charged resin, while filtering contaminants through multi-stage media.

You get: Soft water that's gentler on you and your appliances, plus protection from contaminants.

Dallas water hardness typically ranges between "hard" to "very hard." This mineral-rich concentration causes scale buildup in pipes, reduced appliance efficiency, dry skin, and spotty dishes. Discover more PRO+AQUA water filtration solutions.

09 | How to Test Dallas Water in Your Home

Municipal testing isn't enough for complete confidence. If you notice unusual smells, colors, or tastes, it's time to test your tap water. Water testing that Dallas residents conduct themselves often reveals localized issues that city-wide reports can't catch.

DWU offers free water testing upon request. Residents can call 311 or contact DWU directly at 214-670-0915 or DWUWaterQuality@dallas.gov to arrange testing. Home test kits are available at hardware stores and online. These kits test for common contaminants including lead, PFAS, nitrates, and water hardness.

Professional water testing services can provide comprehensive analysis and guide your filtration needs. For service line materials, Dallas has created an online Lead Service Line Inventory Map and Customer Service Line Survey to help identify the type of pipes connected to homes.

 

10 | Should You Use In-Home Water Filters in Dallas

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Yes. Even small traces of contaminants like PFAS, chromium-6, or nitrates in water can build up over time. Installing under-sink or whole-house solutions in Dallas is about more than taste. It's about long-term health.

While Dallas water meets federal and state regulatory standards, independent testing reveals contaminants at levels that exceed health-based guidelines set by environmental and medical experts.

The reality is simple. Once water reaches your property line, the quality of your tap water becomes your responsibility.

Without proper filtration, contaminants can enter through aging infrastructure, lead from old plumbing, or PFAS that treatment plants can't fully remove. PRO+AQUA systems target the specific challenges in Dallas water: PFAS forever chemicals, disinfection byproducts, hard water minerals, and trace metals.

These aren't luxury additions. They're an essential defense built for long-term confidence.

11 | Solutions for Improving Dallas City Water Quality

Taking control of your water quality is simpler than you think. Here's how to improve water quality in Dallas.

1. Install a filtration system that targets Dallas-specific contaminants. Choose systems certified to remove PFAS, lead, chromium-6, and disinfection byproducts.
2. Consider water softeners to manage Dallas water hardness.
3. Test your water regularly, especially if you live in older neighborhoods or notice changes in taste, color, or odor.
4. Identify your service lines using the DWU Lead Service Line Inventory Map.
5. Stay informed using City of Dallas water resources and monitor EPA updates on PFAS regulations.
6. Invest in a home water filtration system that delivers cleaner water every day. Don't wait for regulations or infrastructure projects to protect your family.

Engineered for precision, built for confidence. Upgrade to a PRO+QUA system today.

FAQs

Is Dallas tap water safe to drink in 2025?

Dallas tap water meets all state and federal standards and is legally safe to drink. However, independent testing shows some contaminants at levels above stricter health-based guidelines recommended by environmental groups. While legally compliant, many residents use home filtration systems for added protection and peace of mind.

What are the main contaminants in Dallas drinking water?

Common contaminants include PFAS, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids, chromium-6, nitrate, and chloroform. These chemicals and byproducts can increase cancer risk, cause developmental issues, and disrupt the immune system over time.

What is the Environmental Working Group (EWG) saying about Dallas' water?

The EWG database shows that Dallas water contains 38 contaminants, with 17 exceeding their stricter health-based guidelines (not federal legal limits). EWG guidelines are more protective than current regulations. Even when chemicals remain below federal limits, they may exceed health-based recommendations that some scientists consider safer for long-term exposure.

Are Dallas Schools doing anything about lead poisoning?

Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) has eliminated known lead service lines from the city system. According to the November 2024 inventory, the system has 320,491 active service lines with no known lead service lines in the municipal system, though many customer-side materials remain unknown. Dallas ISD tested all 227 schools in 2017 and found elevated levels at seven schools,