Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Allen?
Yes, Allen's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Allen has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Allen's water utility, City of Allen, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Allen was resolved on June 30, 2013. This assessment is based on the City of Allen water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Allen Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Allen tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Allen's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Allen Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Allen for Allen in Texas. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013, Allen had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Routine Minor (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).
Is there Lead in Allen Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Allen water system, City of Allen, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0012 mg/L of lead in Allen water. This is 8.0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Allen contained more lead.
While Allen water testing may have found 0.0012 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Allen Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex - near Allen with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Allen has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Allen SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/01/2013 - 06/30/2013 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Routine Minor (TCR) (24) | Total Coliform Rule (110) | Coliform (TCR) (3100) | Microbials (100) | Total Coliform Rules (110) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Allen Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | 305 CENTURY PKWY ALLEN, TX, 75013-8042 |
Existing customers can login to their City of Allen account to pay their Allen water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your City of Allen bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Allen water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Allen water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Allen means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Allen. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Allen means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Allen. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.5 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Allen, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Allen Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Allen's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
Look inside for cost-saving water conservation rebates!
2021 City of Allen
Water Quality Report
Este reporte contiene información importante sobre el agua potable. Para asistencia en español, favor de llamar al teléfono 214.509.4500.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY OF ALLEN
From pipe to tank to tap, we deliver safe, high-quality drinking water
City of Allen Water Utility |
on our water sources, treatment |
Drinking Water Watch at dww.tceq. |
|||||||||||||||
employees take pride in delivering |
processes and more, please visit |
texas.gov/DWW. |
|
||||||||||||||
safe and “superior” quality drinking |
www.ntmwd.com. |
|
|
|
City of Allen Water |
||||||||||||
water |
to |
our |
customers. |
Our |
The |
|
TCEQ |
|
completed |
an |
|||||||
water system is rated “superior” |
|
|
Distribution System |
||||||||||||||
assessment of the NTMWD Wylie |
|||||||||||||||||
by the Texas Commission on |
Water |
Treatment |
Plant source |
The pumping and storage station |
|||||||||||||
Environmental |
Quality |
(TCEQ). |
water from Lavon Lake, and the |
is comprised of two pump |
|||||||||||||
This rating reflects the hard work |
results indicate that some of |
stations, five ground storage tanks |
|||||||||||||||
and efforts by our employees to |
those |
sources |
are |
susceptible |
and five elevated storage tanks. |
||||||||||||
protect your health by delivering |
to |
certain |
contaminants. |
The |
The ground storage capacity is 24 |
||||||||||||
and maintaining safe and reliable |
sampling |
requirements for |
the |
million gallons. Elevated storage |
|||||||||||||
drinking |
water. |
We |
recognize |
NTMWD Wylie Water Treatment |
capacity is 9 million gallons with |
||||||||||||
the North Texas Municipal Water |
Plant Water System are based on |
a system pumping capacity of 80 |
|||||||||||||||
District (NTMWD) for producing |
this |
susceptibility |
and previous |
million gallons per day. |
|
||||||||||||
|
sample data. Any detections of |
The Water Distribution System |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Where does your water |
these contaminants may be found |
is comprised |
of more |
than 501 |
|||||||||||||
come from? |
|
|
|
in |
this |
Consumer |
Confidence |
miles of water mains, 5,456 |
|||||||||
|
|
|
Report. |
|
For |
more |
information |
||||||||||
The Water Utilities Department |
|
hydrants and |
34,023 |
metered |
|||||||||||||
on |
source |
water |
|
assessments |
service connections. In the water |
||||||||||||
is a municipal water distribution |
and protection efforts at the |
loss audit submitted to the Texas |
|||||||||||||||
and |
wastewater |
collection |
NTMWD Wylie Water Treatment |
Water Development Board for |
|||||||||||||
utility owned by the City of |
Plant |
system, |
|
contact |
the |
the time period of |
|||||||||||
Allen. |
Wholesale treated |
water |
NTMWD |
Environmental Services |
our system lost an estimated |
||||||||||||
is purchased from NTMWD and |
Department |
at |
972.442.5405 or |
552,769,584 gallons of water. If |
|||||||||||||
delivered to our ground storage |
environmental.info@ntmwd.com. |
you have any questions about |
|||||||||||||||
tanks. From there, the water is |
Further details about source- |
the water loss audit, please call |
|||||||||||||||
delivered |
to customers through |
water assessments are available in |
214.509.4502. |
|
|
||||||||||||
the city’s distribution system. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
NTMWD gets raw water from Lavon Lake and treats it at the Wylie Water Treatment Plant. In addition to Lavon Lake, NTMWD holds water rights in Lake Texoma, Jim Chapman Lake (Cooper Lake), Lake Tawakoni and the East Fork Raw Water Supply Project (Wetland) which augment supplies. For detailed information
City of Allen Distribution Samples Taken Last Fiscal Year
Bacteriological Scheduled |
1,320 |
Disinfectant Residual Scheduled |
1,095 |
Bacteriological Construction |
82 |
Disinfectant Residual Construction |
82 |
Trihalomethane Samples |
32 |
Haleoacetic Acid Samples |
32 |
Why is this report |
|
|
Secondary constituents |
|
Ozonation |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
important? |
|
|
|
|
|
Many constituents (such as calcium, |
NTMWD completed |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Drinking |
water, including |
bottled |
sodium or iron) found in drinking |
implementation |
of |
ozone |
for |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
water, may reasonably be expected |
water can cause taste, color and |
primary disinfection at the Wylie |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
to contain at least small amounts |
odor problems. The taste and odor |
Water Treatment Plants in 2014 for |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of contaminants. The presence of |
constituents are called secondary |
compliance |
with |
the |
Disinfection |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
contaminants |
do |
not |
necessarily |
constituents and |
|
are |
regulated |
The |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
pose a health risk. The U.S. |
by the State of Texas, not the EPA. |
DBP2Rulechangedthecompliance |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Environmental |
Protection |
Agency |
These constituents are not causes |
criteria |
for |
trihalomethanes |
and |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
(EPA) |
|
prescribes |
regulations |
for |
|
health |
concerns. |
|
Therefore, |
haloacetic acids which are created |
||||||||||||||||||||||
which limit the amount of certain |
secondaries are not required to be |
when chlorine is used as the |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
contaminants |
in water provided |
reported in this document but may |
primary disinfectant. Ozone is also |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
by public water systems. The Food |
affect the appearance and taste of |
effective in treating taste and odor |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
and |
Drug |
Administration (FDA) |
your water. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
compounds |
associated with |
the |
|||||||||||||||||
regulations |
establish |
limits |
for |
Cryptosporidium |
|
|
|
|
|
District’s surface water sources. |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
Chloramines |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
contaminants |
in |
bottled |
water, |
NTMWD has tested lake water and |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
which |
must provide |
the same |
Chloramines |
for |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
protection |
for |
the |
health |
of |
the |
treated water for the presence of |
NTMWD |
uses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
disinfection purposes. The benefit |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
general public. |
|
|
|
|
|
cryptosporidium for several years. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
of using Chloramines is to reduce |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cryptosporidiumhasbeenabsentin |
||||||||||||||||||||||
This Consumer Confidence Report |
the levels of disinfection byproducts |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
all samples tested. Cryptosporidium |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(CCR) is an annual summary of the |
in the system, while still providing |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
is |
a |
protozoan |
which |
is |
so |
small |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
quality of drinking water the City of |
protection |
|
from |
waterborne |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
it |
can |
be |
seen |
only |
with |
a |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allen provides |
to customers. The |
disease. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
microscope. It affects the digestive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
CCR lists all the federally regulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
tracts of humans and animals. At |
The use of Chloramines can cause |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
or |
monitored |
contaminants |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
this time, there is no specific drug |
problems |
to |
persons |
dependent |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
which |
have been |
found |
in |
your |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
therapy |
proven to |
be |
effective, |
on dialysis machines. A condition |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
drinking |
water. The EPA requires |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
but people with healthy immune |
known as hemolytic anemia can |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
water systems to test for up to 97 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
systems will usually recover from |
occur |
if |
this |
disinfectant |
is |
not |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
contaminants. Our drinking water |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
a cryptosporidium infection within |
completely |
removed |
from |
the |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
meets or exceeds all federal (EPA) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
two weeks. NTMWD continues to |
water that is used for the dialysate. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
drinking water requirements. |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
diligently test both source water |
Consequently, |
the pretreatment |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
All Drinking Water May |
and treated water for the presence |
scheme used for the dialysis units |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contain Contaminants |
|
of cryptosporidium. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
must include some means, such |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
SPECIAL NOTICE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
as a charcoal filter, for removing |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Where do these come from? As |
|
|
|
|
|
|
the Chloramine from the water |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
water travels over the surface of |
Weakened Immune |
|
|
|
used. |
Medical |
facilities |
should |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
the land or through the ground, |
|
|
|
also |
determine |
if |
additional |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
it |
dissolves |
Systems |
be |
more |
vulnerable |
precautions are required for other |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
minerals |
and, |
in |
some |
cases, |
You |
may |
medical |
equipment. In addition, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
than |
the general |
population |
to |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
radioactive material, and can pick |
Chloraminated water may be toxic |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
certain |
microbial |
|
contaminants, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
up substances resulting from the |
|
to fish. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
such |
as |
cryptosporidium, |
|
in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
presence |
of animals |
or |
human |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
drinking |
water. |
Infants, |
some |
If you have a fish tank, please make |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
activity. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
elderly, |
or |
immunocompromised |
sure that the chemicals or filters |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Contaminants |
that |
may |
be |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
persons |
such |
those |
undergoing |
that you are using are designed for |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
present in the source water |
chemotherapy |
|
for |
|
cancer; |
use in water that has been treated |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
before |
treatment |
may |
include: |
those |
who |
have |
undergone |
with Chloramines. You may also |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
microbes, inorganic contaminants, |
organ |
transplants; |
those |
|
who |
need to change the type of filter |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
pesticides, |
herbicides, |
radioactive |
are |
undergoing |
treatment |
|
with |
that you use for fish tanks. |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
contaminants and organic chemical |
steroids; and people with HIV/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
contaminants. NTMWD conducts |
AIDS or other immune system |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
daily tests on both the raw water in |
disorders can be particularly at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Lavon Lake and the treated water |
risk from infections. You should |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
delivered to the City of Allen. |
|
seek advice about drinking water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
More |
|
|
information |
|
about |
from |
a |
physician |
or |
health |
|
care |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
provider. Additional |
guidelines |
on |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
contaminants and potential health |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
appropriate |
means |
to |
lessen |
the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
effects can be obtained by calling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
risk of infection by cryptosporidium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
the |
EPA’s |
Safe Drinking |
Water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
are available from the Safe Drinking |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Hotline at 1.800.426.4791. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Water Hotline at 1.800.426.4791. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water Quality Data for Year 2020
Coliform Bacteria
MCLG |
Total Coliform Maximum |
Highest No. of |
Coliform or E. Coli Maximum |
Violation |
Likely Source of Contamination |
|
Contaminant Level |
Positive |
Contaminant Level |
||||
|
|
|
||||
0 |
1 positive monthly sample |
0 |
0 |
No |
Naturally present in the environment. |
NOTE: Reported monthly tests found no fecal coliform bacteria. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present.
Regulated Contaminants
Disinfectants and Disinfection |
Collection |
Highest Level |
Range of Levels |
MCLG |
MCL |
Units |
Violation |
Likely Source of Contamination |
|
Date |
Detected |
Detected |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) |
2020 |
24.8 |
No goal for the total |
60 |
ppb |
No |
|||
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) |
2020 |
41.2 |
No goal for the total |
80 |
ppb |
No |
|||
Bromate |
2020 |
8.91 |
5 |
10 |
ppb |
No |
NOTE: Not all samples results may have been used for calculating the Highest Level Detected because some results may be part of an evaluation to determine where compliance sampling should occur in the future. TCEQ only requires one sample annually for compliance testing.
Inorganic Contaminants |
Collection |
Highest Level |
Range of Levels |
MCLG |
MCL |
Units |
Violation |
Likely Source of Contamination |
|
Date |
Detected |
Detected |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Barium |
2020 |
0.061 |
2 |
2 |
ppm |
No |
Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of |
||
natural deposits. |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Fluoride |
2020 |
0.225 |
4 |
4 |
ppm |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong |
||
teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Nitrate (measured as Nitrogen) |
2020 |
0.827 |
10 |
10 |
ppm |
No |
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks; sewage; erosion of |
||
natural deposits. |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nitrate Advisory: Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant you should ask advice from your health care provider.
Radioactive Contaminants |
|
Collection |
Highest Level |
Range of Levels |
|
MCLG |
|
MCL |
|
Units |
Violation |
Likely Source of Contamination |
||||
|
Date |
Detected |
Detected |
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Beta/photon emitters |
|
2018 |
8.0 |
|
0 |
|
50 |
|
|
pCi/L |
No |
Decay of natural and |
||||
Synthetic organic |
|
Collection |
Highest Level |
Range |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
contaminants including |
|
of Levels |
|
MCLG |
|
MCL |
|
Units |
Violation |
Likely Source of Contamination |
||||||
|
Date |
Detected |
|
|
|
|||||||||||
pesticides and herbicides |
|
Detected |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Atrazine |
|
2020 |
0.2 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
|
ppb |
No |
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops. |
||||
Di |
|
2020 |
0.6 |
|
0 |
|
6 |
|
|
ppb |
No |
Discharge from rubber and chemical factories. |
||||
Simazine |
|
2020 |
0.08 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
|
ppb |
No |
Herbicide runoff. |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turbidity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
Limit (Treatment Technique) |
|
|
|
Level Detected |
|
Violation |
|
Likely Source of Contamination |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Highest single measurement |
|
|
|
1 NTU |
|
|
|
|
0.31 NTU |
|
No |
|
Soil runoff. |
|||
Lowest monthly percentage (%) meeting limit |
|
0.3 NTU |
|
|
|
|
100.00% |
|
No |
|
Soil runoff. |
|||||
NOTE: Turbidity is a measurement of the cloudiness of the water caused by suspended particles. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of water quality and the effectiveness of our filtration.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
Disinfectant Type |
Year |
Average Level of |
Lowest Result of |
Highest Result of |
MRDL |
MRDLG |
Units |
Source of Chemical |
|
Quarterly Data |
Single Sample |
Single Sample |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Chlorine Residual (Chloramines) |
2020 |
2.64 |
0.63 |
3.83 |
4.00 |
<4.0 |
ppm |
Disinfectant used to control microbes. |
|
Chlorite |
2020 |
0.0475 |
0 |
0.483 |
1.00 |
N/A |
ppm |
Disinfectant |
NOTE: Water providers are required to maintain a minimum chlorine disinfection residual level of 0.5 parts per million (ppm) for systems disinfecting with chloramines and an annual average chlorine disinfection residual level of between 0.5 (ppm) and 4 parts per million (ppm).
Total Organic Carbon
|
Collection Date |
|
|
Highest Level Detected |
Range of Levels Detected |
|
Units |
Likely Source of Contamination |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source Water |
|
2020 |
|
|
|
5.16 |
|
|
|
|
ppm |
Naturally present in the environment. |
|||||
Drinking Water |
|
2020 |
|
|
|
3.14 |
|
|
|
|
ppm |
Naturally present in the environment. |
|||||
Removal Ratio |
|
2020 |
|
|
|
53.9 |
|
|
|
% removal* |
N/A |
||||||
NOTE: Total organic |
carbon (TOC) has no |
health effects. The disinfectant can combine with TOC to form disinfection |
|||||||||||||||
have unacceptable levels of pathogens. |
|||||||||||||||||
* Removal ratio is the percent of TOC removed by the treatment process divided by the percent of TOC required by TCEQ to be removed. |
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unregulated Contaminants |
|
||||||
Contaminants |
|
|
Collection Date |
Highest Level Detected |
Range of Levels Detected |
|
Units |
Likely Source of Contamination |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Chloroform |
|
|
|
2020 |
|
15.7 |
|
|
|
|
ppb |
||||||
Bromoform |
|
|
|
2020 |
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
|
ppb |
||||||
Bromodichloromethane |
|
|
|
2020 |
|
15.3 |
|
|
|
|
ppb |
||||||
Dibromochloromethane |
|
|
|
2020 |
|
9.84 |
|
|
|
|
ppb |
||||||
NOTE: Bromoform, chloroform, |
|
bromodichloromethane, |
and dibromochloromethane are disinfection |
||||||||||||||
entry point to distribution. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Secondary and Other Constituents Not Regulated |
||||||||
Contaminants |
|
|
Collection |
Highest Level |
Range of Levels |
Units |
|
|
|
|
|
Likely Source of Contamination |
|||||
|
|
Date |
|
|
Detected |
Detected |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Calcium |
|
2020 |
|
62.4 |
|
ppm |
|
|
|
|
|
Abundant naturally occurring element. |
|||||
Chloride |
|
2020 |
|
78.9 |
|
ppm |
Abundant naturally occurring element; used in water purification; |
||||||||||
Magnesium |
|
2020 |
|
9.40 |
|
ppm |
|
|
|
|
|
Abundant naturally occurring element. |
|||||
Manganese |
|
2020 |
|
0.017 |
|
ppm |
|
|
|
|
|
Abundant naturally occurring element. |
|||||
Nickel |
|
2020 |
|
0.0068 |
|
ppm |
|
|
|
|
|
Erosion of natural deposits. |
|||||
pH |
|
2020 |
|
8.60 |
|
units |
|
|
|
|
|
Measure of corrosivity of water. |
|||||
Sodium |
|
2020 |
|
68.5 |
|
ppm |
|
|
|
|
Erosion of natural deposits; |
||||||
Sulfate |
|
2020 |
|
158 |
|
ppm |
|
Naturally occurring; common industrial |
|||||||||
Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 |
|
2020 |
|
107 |
|
ppm |
|
|
|
|
|
Naturally occurring soluble mineral salts. |
|||||
Total Dissolved Solids |
|
2020 |
|
504 |
|
ppm |
|
|
|
|
|
Naturally occurring calcium. |
|||||
Total Hardness as CaCO3 |
|
|
2020 |
|
207 |
|
ppm |
|
|
|
|
|
Naturally occurring calcium. |
||||
Save money with H2Ome improvement rebates
Protect
Storm Water
The City of Allen wants to help residents conserve water. Currently there are several rebates available as credits on your water bill. For more rebate information visit CityofAllen.org/WaterRebates.
SMART Irrigation Technology Equipment
50% of the cost up to a maximum of $125 for installation of qualifying SMART irrigation technology equipment.
50% of the cost up to a maximum of $100 for replacing an existing
Water Efficient Washing Machines
50% of the cost up to a maximum of $75, $100 or $125, depending on tier rating, for a qualifying
Did you know that runoff and debris collected in storm drains goes straight to local ponds and lakes?
Do your best to keep our waterways clean and never sweep or dump anything down storm drains.
Our local streams, ponds and lakes provide drinking water, recreation, a habitat for local wildlife and more. It also violates City ordinance to allow any pollutants to enter the storm drain system.
LEARN MORE
CityofAllen.org/StormWater
ILLICIT DISCHARGE HOTLINE
214.509.4512
TERMS TO KNOW
The charts on this and the adjoining page list the contaminants detected in Allen drinking water during calendar year 2020. Numerous tests detected no other contaminants. Listed below are the definitions for abbreviations on the adjoining page. As noted, the water quality surpasses standards for each contaminant as required by law. For additional information, please contact the Allen Water Utilities Department at 214.509.4502.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is the highest permissible level of a contaminant in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected health risk. MCLGs allow for margin of safety.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) is the highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) is the level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Action Level (AL) is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirement which a water system must follow.
ppm stands for “parts per
ppb stands for “parts per billion” - or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water.
pCi/L stands for picocuries per liter. A measure of radioactivity.
NTU stands for Nephelometric Turbidity Units. This is the unit to measure water turbidity.
Turbidity is a measure of water’s clarity. Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Water with lower turbidity is clearer than water with higher turbidity.
THM is the abbreviation for trihalomethanes, a
HAA stands for haloacedic acid, a
MRL is the abbreviation for minimum reporting level.
Water Quality Data for Year 2020, cont.
Lead and Copper
Lead and Copper |
Date |
Action Level (AL) |
90th Percentile |
# Sites Over AL |
Units |
Violation |
Likely Source of Contamination |
|
Sampled |
||||||||
Lead |
7/29/2020 |
15 |
1.2 |
1 |
ppb |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits. |
|
Copper |
7/29/2020 |
1.30 |
0.62 |
0 |
ppm |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives; corrosion |
|
of household plumbing systems. |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION FOR LEAD: If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Allen is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Find your watering schedule
Customers may use sprinklers or irrigation systems up to twice per week for landscape/lawn watering. Customers must use the Water Conservation Plan Schedule
Map to identify what days watering is permitted for their neighborhood. Learn more at CityofAllen.org/WaterConservation.
121 SH
CHECK
THE CLOCK!
From April 1 to October 31, watering is prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation.
Ridgeview |
Drive |
|
|
WEDNESDAY |
|||
|
|||
Exchange Parkway |
Road |
||
Stacy Road
US |
75 |
|
FRIDAY
Exchange Parkway
Stacy Road
Custer Road |
MONDAY |
Alma Drive |
|
Watters |
McDermott Drive |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
THURSDAY |
Bethany Drive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US |
75 |
Hedgcoxe Road |
|
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
SATURDAY |
|
Road |
|
||
|
Avenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Main Street |
Malone |
|
|||
|
Greenville |
|
Drive |
Bethany Drive |
Parkway |
|
|
SUNDAY |
|||||
|
|
|
Heights |
|
TUESDAY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Angel |
|
Jupiter |
Road |
|
Allen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Chaparral Road |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||
PRIMARY DAY
OPTIONAL DAY
MONDAY
FRIDAY
TUESDAY
SATURDAY
|
WEDNESDAY |
|
|
|
THURSDAY |
|
|
FRIDAY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SATURDAY |
|
|
SUNDAY |
|
|
MONDAY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water only if conditions warrant!
SATURDAY
TUESDAY
SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY
Public Input Opportunities
Allen water utilities are part of the Community Services Department of the Allen City Government. The Allen City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m. at Allen City Hall.
ATTEND A MEETING |
EMAIL US |
VISIT US ONLINE |
305 Century Parkway |
coa@cityofallen.org |
CityofAllen.org |
Allen, TX 75013 |
|
|
Contaminants
City of Allen
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 93528
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Purchased surface water
- Total: 33
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Arsenic*
- Atrazine*
- Bromate*
- Bromodichloromethane
- Bromoform
- Chlorate
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)*
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Acetone*
- Aluminum*
- Antimony*
- Barium*
- Bromochloroacetic acid
- Chlorite*
- Chromium (total)
- Cyanide*
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate*
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Fluoride*
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Manganese*
- Molybdenum
- Monobromoacetic acid
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Selenium*
- Strontium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.