Arlington Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Arlington 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 Arlington Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Arlington tap water has contaminants that exceed current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
14 contaminants were tested in Arlington's water. 13 were detected, and 1 exceeds EPA maximum contaminant levels.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFOS at 4.27 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt) — exceeds the EPA maximum contaminant level. 3 other PFAS compounds were also detected within limits.
A man-made "forever chemical" formerly used in Scotchgard, firefighting foam, and industrial processes. According to the EPA, associated with increased cholesterol, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and certain cancers.
→ A reverse osmosis (RO) or NSF-certified activated carbon filter can reduce PFOS by 90% or more.
Disinfectants — Chloramine is at 3.5 ppm — 88% 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 0.6 ppb (6% of EPA limit).
Disinfection Byproducts — 3 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Bromate at 5 ppb (50% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.504 ppm (13% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 405K people in the Arlington area.
Based on publicly available data from City of Arlington Water Utilities 2024 Water Quality Report (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?
Arlington 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 Arlington Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
1.3 ppb
54% below average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
93.2 ppm
27% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Exceeds EPA limit
20% of cities exceed EPA limit
How Hard is Arlington 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, Arlington 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.
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 70–117 ppm
Based on 253 samples from City of Arlington Water Utilities 2024 Water Quality Report (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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
1.02 ppb
Arlington lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2023-12-31
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”
1 PFAS chemical exceeds EPA maximum contaminant levels
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. The EPA suggests that certified reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can reduce PFAS levels.
Bromate
50% of EPA limit
Other Detected Contaminants
14 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
11.5 ppb Range: 10.5-12.6 Extremely low; ozone + chloramine disinfection | 80 ppb | Safe 14% of limit | |
7.8 ppb Range: 7.1-8.4 Extremely low; among best in dataset | 60 ppb | Safe 13% of limit | |
3.5 ppm Range: 3-3.7 | 4 ppm | Caution 88% of limit | |
Bromate | 5 ppb <5 ppb; by-product of ozone disinfection | 10 ppb | Safe 50% of limit |
0.504 ppm Range: 0.14-0.817 Added to promote dental health | 4 ppm | Safe 13% of limit | |
0.6 ppb Range: 0-1.2 | 10 ppb | Safe 6% of limit | |
0.548 ppm Range: 0.173-0.959 | 10 ppm | Safe 5% of limit | |
Beta/Photon Emitters | 5.2 pCi/L Range: 4.2-5.2 | 50 pCi/L | Safe 10% of limit |
4.27 ppt Range: 0-4.6 UCMR5 avg 4.27 ppt (3/8 samples); CCR confirms 4.63 ppt at Pierce Burch WTP. Exceeds EPA MCL 4 ppt. Compliance deadline 2029. | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 107% of limit | |
PFBA | 6.36 ppt Range: 0-8 UCMR5; CCR confirms 4.90–5.47 ppt at both WTPs | N/A | Safe |
PFBS | 4.08 ppt Range: 0-5.9 UCMR5; CCR confirms 4.05 ppt at Pierce Burch | N/A | Safe |
PFHxA | 4.2 ppt Range: 0-5 UCMR5; CCR confirms 3.00 ppt at Kubala WTP | N/A | Safe |
PFPeA | 4.59 ppt Range: 0-6.5 UCMR5; CCR confirms 3.08 ppt at Pierce Burch | N/A | Safe |
0 ppt ND - UCMR5 | 4 ppt 0 | 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 maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Arlington's Water?
Utility Name
CITY OF ARLINGTON
EPA System ID (PWSID)
TX2200001
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
405K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Arlington tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Texas
Houston
Moderate water
San Antonio
Very Hard water
Dallas
Hard water
Austin
Very Hard water
Fort Worth
Hard water
El Paso
Very 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: City of Arlington Water Utilities 2024 Water Quality Report (2024) • View report