Dallas Water Isn’t as Clean as You Think
Dallas Water Isn’t as Clean as You Think
Quick Summary: Dallas’ 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report reveals a mix of contaminants that meet federal limits but still pose health concerns, including PFAS, pesticides, radioactive particles, and disinfection byproducts. While New York City’s tap water tested exceptionally clean, Dallas’ surface water sources remain vulnerable to agricultural runoff, industrial activity, and aging infrastructure. Culligan of Dallas offers solutions like reverse osmosis, whole-house filtration, and water softeners to help families protect their health and improve water quality beyond “safe on paper” standards.
New York City may get credit for having some of the “best drinking water” in the country, but Dallas-Fort Worth residents don’t share that luxury. According to Dallas’ own 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report, the city’s water supply is filled with contaminants that meet legal limits but still raise health concerns.
Culligan recently put New York City’s tap water under the microscope using its at-home testing kit, checking both for traditional contaminants (like heavy metals and minerals) and so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS). They tested for 55 different PFAS compounds and found only one: perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) at 2.2 parts per trillion, which is above the Environmental Working Group’s guideline of 1 ppt but still extremely low. All 42 of the usual suspects: lead, arsenic, copper, etc., were either undetectable or well below national safety thresholds as set by the U.S. EPA. Culligan’s lab manager concluded that while the levels were low, residents who want extra protection (especially from PFAS) might consider adding a PFAS-specific water filter or reverse osmosis system.
You may be wondering, ‘What about Dallas’s tap water?’ The Dallas Water Utility (DWU) notes that it follows Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and receives a “Superior” rating from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. But “safe on paper” isn’t the same as free of contaminants. Many chemicals (including pesticides, radioactive particles, and emerging toxins) slip through chemical treatment processes and make their way into homes.
That means every glass poured in Dallas may contain more than just H2O.
Dallas’ water may be ‘Superior’ on paper, but every glass can still carry contaminants like PFAS, radioactive particles, pesticides, and disinfection byproducts that no one wants in their home.
Where Dallas’ Water Comes From
Dallas relies on surface water sources including:
- Elm Fork of the Trinity River
- Lake Ray Hubbard
- Lake Lewisville
- Lake Grapevine
- Lake Ray Roberts
- Lake Tawakoni
- Lake Fork
Other reservoirs like Mountain Creek Lake and Lake Worth also play roles in the broader regional system shared with the Fort Worth Water Department.
Because these are surface water reservoirs and not deep ground water aquifers, they are highly vulnerable to contaminants from agriculture, highways, and industry. Runoff from farms, chemical spills near the U.S. Highway 287 Bridge, and even fish tissue carrying pollutants all find their way into Dallas’ water supply.
Contaminants Detected in Dallas Tap Water
The Water Quality Information published by DWU lists dozens of contaminants. Some are regulated by the EPA, while others show up under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) program. Many exceed the National Average and in some cases, fall short of the EWG Health Guideline developed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Microbial Contaminants
Dallas monitors for cryptosporidium, a parasite spread through human and animal waste. While not found in treated water, it has been detected in untreated surface water feeding the Trinity River system.
Inorganic Contaminants
- Nitrate: Found up to 1.09 ppm. Comes from fertilizers and sewage.
- Fluoride: Added intentionally, averaging 0.629 ppm.
- Barium, Aluminum, and Mercury: Present from industrial activity.
- Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium-6): Detected at trace levels. Classified as a carcinogen in EPA’s toxicological review.
Radioactive Contaminants
- Gross Beta Particle Activity: Reported at 6.2 pCi/L.
- Radioactive Strontium-90: Tracked nationally by the EPA and found in some contaminant measurements in Texas. Exposure can impact blood chemistry and bone health.
Herbicides and Pesticides
- Atrazine and Simazine: Farm herbicides detected in Dallas’ tap water.
- Heptachlor Epoxide: A banned pesticide, still found in some water samples nationwide and monitored by EWG.
Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
Chlorine is used in Dallas for chemical treatment, but it reacts with organic matter to form dangerous disinfection byproducts:
- Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): Up to 25.8 ppb
- Trihalomethanes (THMs): Up to 25.5 ppb
- Bromochloroacetic Acid: One of the lesser-known DBPs, linked to cancer in animal studies.
Industrial & Legacy Chemicals
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Once used in electrical equipment, PCBs remain in the environment and show up in EWG’s Tap Water Database.
- Perfluorobutanoic Acid (PFBA), Perfluorobutane Sulfonate (PFBS), and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS): All part of the PFAS “forever chemical” family. These chemicals don’t break down, accumulate in fish tissue, and are linked to thyroid disease, immune suppression, and cancer.
Why Dallas Water Quality Matters
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) points out that federal standards often lag behind science. For many contaminants, the toxicity value and safe exposure level is far lower than what’s legally allowed.
- Safe on paper doesn’t mean safe in your glass.
- Unregulated contaminants like PFAS still lack enforceable limits.
- Long-term health effects, even when levels are below federal standards can’t be ignored.
In fact, Dallas’ water system has faced scrutiny from both residents and regulators. Cases tied to U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database show multiple entries requiring oversight. In some cities, disputes over pollution have even reached court orders and the state Capitol.
How Culligan of Dallas Protects Your Home
The solution isn’t waiting for regulations to catch up, it’s protecting your family now. Culligan of Dallas specializes in systems that go beyond city treatment:
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: Remove PFAS, nitrates, Hexavalent Chromium, lead, and radioactive elements like strontium.
- Whole-House Filtration: Use activated carbon to reduce chlorine, disinfection byproducts, pesticides, and bad tastes.
- Water Softeners: Protect appliances and skin from mineral-heavy water.
- Water Filters: Point-of-use or whole-home options designed for Dallas’ specific water supply.
Our local team monitors the latest Drinking Water Quality Reports and EWG’s Tap Water Database to design solutions tailored to Dallas-Fort Worth families.
Yes, New York can brag about its water. Dallas? Not so much. From haloacetic acids to perfluorooctane sulfonate, our city’s drinking water contains a complex mixture of contaminants that no one should ignore.
Dallas’ own report makes it clear: even with a “Superior” rating, contaminants like PFAS, radioactive particles, pesticides, and heavy metals are still present. For Dallas families, the safest choice is to take control at home.
Culligan of Dallas can help. With reverse osmosis, activated carbon, and advanced filtration, you don’t have to settle for “compliant.” You can have truly clean, healthy water.
