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Dallas, TX · 1,438,225 people served · EPA data 2021–2026

Tap water quality in Dallas, Texas

Dallas's water systems logged 18 health-based EPA violations in 2021–2026, most recently in 2025 — most often tthm. Health-based violations mean a federal limit or treatment standard was exceeded; check the systems below and your utility's annual report for specifics.

D+Poor
Dallas water grade: D+
Poor — our A–F grade from this city's EPA compliance record, relative to Texas and the nation. How we grade →
Health-based violations, 2021–202618
Tthm11
Lead And Copper Rule Revisions5
Lead And Copper Rule2
Dallas Water Utility1,356,479 served
City Of University Park25,278 served
Town Of Highland Park8,959 served
Kaufman County Fwsd 4a7,317 served
Texas quality rank#42 / 51 (78.1/100)
Texas avg hardness268 PPM (very hard)
Want to know what's actually in your Dallas water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

Test your water at home

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Dallas tap water FAQ

Is tap water safe to drink in Dallas?

Dallas's systems logged 18 health-based violations in 2021–2026, most commonly tthm. A violation is a red flag for a period of time, not a permanent condition — your utility's current Consumer Confidence Report shows today's status, and a certified home test shows what's at your tap.

Who supplies Dallas's water?

Dallas Water Utility (serving about 1,356,479 people); City Of University Park (serving about 25,278 people); Town Of Highland Park (serving about 8,959 people); Kaufman County Fwsd 4a (serving about 7,317 people). Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System, July 2026.

How hard is the water in Dallas?

City-level hardness isn't published in a single federal dataset, but Texas averages 268 PPM — "very hard" on the USGS scale. Your utility's water quality report lists Dallas's exact hardness, or a $10 test strip tells you in a minute. If it comes back over 120 PPM, see our water softener guidance in the purification calculator.

Do I need a water filter in Dallas?

With 18 health-based violations on record in 2021–2026, a certified filter is reasonable insurance here: reverse osmosis ($150–$1,300 installed, Angi 2026) covers lead, nitrates and PFAS at the tap. Test first ($50–$200) so you buy for what's actually present.

Want to know what's actually in your Dallas water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

Test your water at home

We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this link. It costs you nothing and never affects the data we publish.