Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Richardson?
Yes, Richardson's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Richardson 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, Richardson's water utility, City of Richardson, had 1 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the City of Richardson 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 Richardson Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Richardson 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 Richardson's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Richardson 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 Richardson for Richardson in Texas. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
For the compliance period beginning Dec. 30, 2020, Richardson had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Lead Consumer Notice which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Lead and Copper Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Lead and Copper Rule.
Is there Lead in Richardson Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Richardson water system, City of Richardson, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0017 mg/L of lead in Richardson water. This is 11.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Richardson contained more lead.
While Richardson water testing may have found 0.0017 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 Richardson 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 Richardson 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 Richardson 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.
Richardson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/30/2020 - | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Lead Consumer Notice (66) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) | Lead and Copper Rule (5000) | Chemicals (300) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) |
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.
Richardson Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | PO BOX 830309 RICHARDSON, TX, 75083-0309 |
Existing customers can login to their City of Richardson account to pay their Richardson water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your City of Richardson 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 Richardson 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 Richardson 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 Richardson means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Richardson. 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 Richardson means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Richardson. 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.
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 Richardson, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Richardson 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 Richardson's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
|
2021 Water Quality Report |
|
(Consumer Confidence Report) |
PWS #0570015 |
City of Richardson Water Utilities |
(972) |
1260 Columbia Dr. |
(972) |
Richardson, Texas 75081 |
Richardson Water Utility employees take pride in delivering safe and “superior” quality drinking water to our customers. “Superior,” is the rating of our water system by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This rating reflects the hard work and efforts of our employees to protect your health by delivering and maintaining safe and reliable drinking water.
The Water Utilities department is a municipal water distribution and wastewater collection utility owned by the City of Richardson. Wholesale treated water is purchased from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) who has surface water rights from Lake Lavon, Lake Chapman, Lake Texoma and Lake Tawakoni.
The pumping and storage system is comprised of five pump stations, seven ground storage tanks and seven elevated storage tanks. The storage capacity is 36.25 million gallons with a pumping capacity of 98.9 million gallons per day. The water distribution system is comprised of 574 miles of water mains with 4,712 fire hydrants and 34,469 metered service connections. Each day, the city tests the water in the distribution system at various points in the city to ensure water is reaching the residents in good condition.
As water travels over the land’s surface or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and picks up substances from animal or human activity. Contaminants that may be in untreated water include; organic chemicals from industrial or petroleum use and or radioactive materials. Good watershed management by each of us to keep contaminants out of our lakes and waterways is cheaper and easier than removing them later at the treatment plant. The NTMWD conducts daily tests on the raw water from their sources, water in process and the finished water.
ALL drinking water may contain contaminants. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline
The Public Services Department is responsible for your water distribution and infrastructure system maintenance and is part of the City government. The City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Este reporte incluye informacion importante sobre el agua para tomar. Para asistencia en español, favor de llamar al telefono (972)
2020 Richardson Distribution Samples
Bacteriological Scheduled |
1212 |
Bacteriological Construction |
214 |
Bacteriological Other |
82 |
Disinfectant Residual Scheduled |
1614 |
Disinfectant Residual Construction |
85 |
Disinfectant Residual Other |
2888 |
Trihalomethanes Samples |
32 |
Haloacetic Acids Samples |
32 |
Nitrate/Nitrite |
211 |
Quarterly Distribution Samples |
112 |
Quarterly Entry Point Samples |
12 |
Grassy, Earthy Taste and Odor
Contaminants may be found in drinking water that may cause taste, color, or odor problems. These types of problems are not necessarily causes for health concerns. For more information on taste, odor, or color of drinking water, please contact (972)
The north Texas summer climate normally consists of high temperatures and trace amounts of rainfall. The high temperatures and lack of rainfall creates an ideal environment for algae to bloom in surface water supplies.
Each summer, throughout the months of July and August, lakes and other surface water supplies experience a natural event – an “algal bloom”. Algal blooms are common to surface water supplies in warm weather climate states like Texas.
As hot summer temperatures warm the reservoirs, the lack of rainfall lessens the turbidity and allows the sunlight to penetrate the water. With the increase in water temperature and the lack of turbidity, photosynthesis will occur providing the right environment for algae to reproduce or “bloom”.
When an algal bloom exists, there is the possibility for a grassy, earthy taste in the treated drinking water supply. This event, although aesthetically undesirable to the public, does not alter the high quality of water provided to the cities and communities for their use.
NTMWD laboratory personnel monitor the raw water quality from Lake Lavon prior to its treatment. One of the many analyses performed is an algal count. Laboratory personnel, through this daily activity, can determine the onset of an algal bloom.
The blue green algae species Nostoc and Anabaena, as it reproduces or “blooms”, produces an oily organic substance. It is this organic substance that is responsible for the change in taste and odor of the treated drinking water.
NTMWD uses several steps to control the taste and odor produced. To reduce the unpleasant taste levels, activated carbon is used as an absorption media. Potassium permanganate is added as an oxidizing agent to reduce the odor associated with an algal bloom. Both of these chemicals are removed during the treatment process prior to its delivery to the cities.
Chlorine is used throughout the treatment process as a strong disinfectant. Chlorine also aids in odor reduction during times of algal blooms.
The quality of water remains high as regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. The treated water remains safe for human consumption with no health risks created by the “algal blooms”.
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite affecting the digestive tracts of humans and animal. It is shed in feces and when ingested, may result in diarrhea, cramps, fever and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Outbreaks have been most commonly associated with person - to - person (day care center) and waterborne (drinking and recreational water) spread of the parasite. Foodborne and animal- (especially calves)
No specific drug therapy has proven to be effective, but people with healthy immune systems will usually recover within two weeks. Individuals with weak immune systems, however, may be unable to clear the parasite and suffer chronic and debilitating illness.
The NTMWD tests for Cryptosporidium in both the raw lake water and the treated water.
Special information for people with weakened immune systems – You may be more vulnerable than the general population to certain microbial contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, in drinking water. Infants, some elderly, or immunocompromised persons such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer; those who have undergone organ transplants; those who are undergoing treatment with steroids; and people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders can be particularly at risk from infections. You should seek advice about drinking water from your physician or health care provider. Additional guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800)
Source Water Assessment Study
The TCEQ has completed an assessment of The North Texas Municipal Water Districts source water and results indicate that some of their sources are susceptible to certain constituents. The sampling requirements for our water system are based on this susceptibility and previous sample data. Any detection of these constituents will be found in the Consumer Confidence Report. For more information on source water assessments and protection efforts in their system, contact NTMWD’s public information office for an appointment.
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
- Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife
- Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming
- Pesticides and herbicides, which might have a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses
- Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems; and radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities
Water Loss
In the water loss audit submitted to the Texas Water Development Board for the time period of
Chloramine Exception
The City of Richardson has been granted an exception for the use of chloramines by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). A requirement of the TCEQ’s exception the City of Richardson notifies its customers regarding the use of chloramines. North Texas Municipal Water District, the City of Richardson’s water supplier, uses the disinfectant chloramine instead of chlorine. The change was intended to benefit our customers by reducing the levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the system, while still providing protection from waterborne disease.
However, the change to chloramines can cause problems to persons dependent on dialysis machines. A condition known as hemolytic anemia can occur if the disinfectant is not completely removed from the water that is used for the dialysate. Consequently, the pretreatment scheme used for the dialysis units must include some means, such as charcoal filter, for removing the chloramine prior to this date. Medical facilities should also determine if additional precautions are required for other medical equipment.
In addition, chloraminated water may be toxic to fish. If you have a fish tank, please make sure that the chemicals or filters that you are using are designed for use in water that has been treated with chloramines. You may also need to change the type of filter that you use for fish tanks.
Water Conservation
Every customer can help reduce water consumption in and around your home. Here are some easy ways to reduce the amount of water you use.
- Landscaping Conservation Tips
-
Water trees and shrubs, which have deep root systems, longer and less frequently than
shallow-rooted plants which require smaller amounts of water more often.
- Mow your lawn to an average of 3 inches in height. Longer grass promotes soil moisture retention reducing the need to irrigate.
- Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning before 10:00 am and after 6:00 pm or later is best). Do not water on windy days.
- Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
- Irrigation System Conservation Tips
- Install a rain or moisture shutoff device or another technology to prevent the system from operating in the rain or when soil moisture is sufficient.
- Avoid overspray — Ensure that your irrigation system only sprays water on landscaped areas, not on concrete, wood, stone, brick or other impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, streets, driveways, fences or walls, which causes water runoff.
- Adjust your watering schedule to the season. Decrease or cease watering when grass should be dormant during cooler weather months.
- If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
- In Home Water Conservation Tips
- Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
- Add food wastes to a compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal and save gallons every time.
- Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
- Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
- A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. To detect leaks in the toilet, add food coloring to the tank water. If you see the same coloring in the bowl after 1 hour (without using the toilet) it is leaking.
- Install faucet aerators. You’ll never notice the difference, and you’ll cut your sink water consumption in half!
- Leaking faucets and toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water monthly, and they are inexpensive to fix. A few small changes in your water use habits can make a huge difference in water savings.
Definitions and Measurements
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to maximum contaminant level goals as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
(ppm) - Parts per million, or milligrams per liter(mg/L).
(ppb) - Parts per billion, or micrograms per liter
(ppt) - Parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
(ppq) – Parts per quadrillion, or pictograms per liter (pg/L)
(pCi/L) - Picocuries per liter is a measure of radioactivity in water.
Treatment Technique (TT) - A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - 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) - 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 - The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers a treatment or other requirement a water system must follow.
Level 1 Assessment – A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria were found.
Level 2 Assessment – A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an Escherichis coli (E. coli) maximum contaminant level (MCL) violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria were found on multiple occasions.
NTU - Nephelometric Turbidity Units (this is the unit used to measure water turbidity)
ND - Not Detected
2020 data analyses from most recent testing done in accordance with the regulations
This is a summary of water quality for the City of Richardson drinking water. This report only lists contaminants that were detected in the water. State and Federal water quality regulations determine the frequency of testing depending on the parameter. In cases where testing is performed less than once per year the most recent sample data and year are included. For additional information, please contact the
Richardson Water Utility at
Regulated at the Treatment Plant
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Highest |
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Substance / Units / Year |
Range |
Level |
MCL |
MCLG |
Violation |
Possible Source |
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Detected |
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Antimony (ppb) (2020) |
Levels lower |
6 |
6 |
No |
Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; |
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than detect level |
ceramics; electronics; solder; and test addition. |
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Arsenic (ppb) (2020) |
Levels lower |
10 |
0 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff |
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than detect level |
from glass and electronics production wastes |
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Barium (ppm) (2020) |
0.058 – 0.061 |
0.061 |
2 |
2 |
No |
Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal |
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refineries; erosion of natural deposits |
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Beryllium (ppb) (2020) |
Levels lower |
4 |
4 |
No |
Discharge from metal refineries and |
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than detect level |
discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries |
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Chromium (ppb) (2020) |
Levels lower |
100 |
100 |
No |
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural |
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than detect level |
deposits. |
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Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes |
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Fluoride (ppm )(2020) |
0.218 – 0.225 |
0.225 |
4 |
4 |
No |
strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum |
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factories |
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Nitrate (ppm) (2020) |
0.266 – 0.827 |
0.827 |
10 |
10 |
No |
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks; |
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(measured as Nitrogen) |
sewage; erosion of natural deposits. |
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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.
Selenium (ppb) (2020) |
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Levels lower |
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50 |
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50 |
No |
Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; |
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than detect level |
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erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines. |
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Radioactive Contaminants |
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Beta/photon emitters |
8.0 – 8.0 |
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8.0 |
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50 |
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0 |
No |
Decay of natural & |
(pCi/L) (2018) |
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Gross alpha excluding |
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Levels lower |
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radon and uranium |
0 – 0 |
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15 |
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0 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits. |
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than detect level |
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(pCi/L) (2018) |
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Radium (pCi/L) (2018) |
0 – 0 |
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Levels lower |
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5 |
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0 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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than detect level |
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Cryptosporidium and Giardia |
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Substance / Units / Year |
Range |
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Highest Level |
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Possible Source |
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Detected |
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Cryptosporidium |
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0 – 0 |
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0 |
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Human and animal fecal waste |
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(Oo) Cysts/L (2020) |
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Giardia |
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0 – 0 |
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0 |
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Human and animal fecal waste |
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(Oo) Cysts/L (2020) |
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NOTE: Taken on treated water samples. |
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Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level |
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Substance / Units / Year |
Average |
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Minimum |
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Maximum |
MRDL |
MRDLG |
Possible Source |
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Level |
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Level |
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Level |
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Chlorine Dioxide (ppm) |
0 |
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0 |
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0 |
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0.8 |
0.8 |
Disinfectant |
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(2020) |
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Chlorite (ppm) (2020) |
0.0475 |
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0 |
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0.483 |
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1.0 |
N/A |
Disinfectant |
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Highest |
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Substance / Units / Year |
Range |
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Level |
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MCL |
MCLG |
Violation |
Possible Source |
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Detected |
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Synthetic organic contaminants including pesticides and herbicides |
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Atrazine (ppb) (2020) |
0.20 – 0.20 |
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0.20 |
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3 |
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3 |
No |
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops |
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Di |
0.6 – 0.6 |
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.6 |
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6 |
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0 |
No |
Discharge from rubber and chemical factories. |
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phthalate (ppb) (2020) |
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Turbidity
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Limit |
Level Detected |
Violation |
Possible Source |
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(Treatment Technique) |
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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 measure 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.
Total Organic Carbon
Substance / Units / Year |
Range |
Highest Level |
Possible Source |
|
Detected |
||||
|
|
|
||
TOC Source Water (ppm) (2020) |
3.95 – 5.16 |
5.16 |
Naturally present in the environment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOC Drinking Water (ppm) (2020) |
2.13 – 3.14 |
3.14 |
Naturally present in the environment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOC Removal Ratio (% of removal*) |
28.4% - 53.9% |
53.9% |
N/A |
|
(2020) |
||||
|
|
|
NOTE: Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects. The disinfectant can combine with TOC to form disinfection
* Removal ratio is the percent of TOC removed by the treatment process divided by the percent of TOC required by TCEQ to be removed.
Secondary And Other Constituents Not Regulated
Substance / Units / Year |
Range |
Highest Level |
Possible Source |
||
Detected |
|||||
|
|
|
|
||
Calcium (ppm) (2020) |
58.3 |
– 62.4 |
62.4 |
Abundant naturally occurring element |
|
Chloride (ppm) (2020) |
23.2– 78.9 |
78.9 |
Abundant naturally occurring element; used in water |
||
purification; |
|||||
|
|
|
|
||
Magnesium (ppm) (2020) |
8.83– 9.40 |
9.40 |
Abundant naturally occurring element |
||
Manganese (ppm) (2020) |
0.012 |
– 0.017 |
0.017 |
Abundant naturally occurring element |
|
Nickel (ppm) (2020) |
0.0066 |
– 0.0068 |
0.0068 |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
pH (units) (2020) |
8.04 |
– 8.60 |
8.60 |
Measure of corrosivity of water |
|
Sodium (ppm) (2020) |
62.7 |
– 68.5 |
68.5 |
Erosion of natural deposits; |
|
Sulfate (ppm) (2020) |
42.0 – 158 |
158 |
Naturally occurring; common industrial |
||
product of oil field activity |
|||||
|
|
|
|
||
Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 (ppm) (2020) |
72.0 – 107 |
107 |
Naturally occurring soluble mineral salts |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Dissolved Solids (ppm) (2020) |
265 |
– 504 |
504 |
Total dissolved mineral constituents in water |
|
Total Hardness as CaCO3 (ppm) (2020) |
106 |
– 207 |
207 |
Naturally occurring calcium |
|
Zinc (ppm) (2020) |
0 |
– 0 |
Levels lower than |
Moderately abundant naturally occurring element used in the |
|
detected level |
metal industry |
||||
|
|
|
|||
Regulated in the Distribution System
Coliform Bacteria
Maximum |
Total Coliform |
Highest |
Fecal Coliform or |
Total No. of Positive |
Violation |
|
|
Contaminant |
Maximum |
No. of |
E. Coli Maximum |
E.Coli or Fecal |
Possible Source |
||
Level Goal |
Contaminant Level |
Positive |
Contaminant Level |
Coliform Samples |
|
|
|
0 |
1 positive monthly |
1 |
0 |
0 |
No |
Naturally present in the environment |
|
sample |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total coliform bacteria are used as indicators of microbial contamination of drinking water. While not
Fecal Coliform REPORTED MONTHLY TESTS FOUND NO FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIA.
Disinfectants and Disinfectant
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
Substance / Units / Year |
Range |
Level |
MCL |
MCLG |
Violation |
|
|
|
|
Detected |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) |
15.0 – 31.6 |
19.53 |
60 |
N/A |
No |
||
(ppb) (2020) |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total Trihalomethanes (THM) |
27.2 – 39.6 |
32.43 |
80 |
N/A |
No |
||
(ppb) (2020) |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Bromate (ppb) (2020) |
8.91 – 8.91 |
8.91 |
10 |
5 |
No |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE: Not all sample 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.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
Substance / Units / Year |
Average |
Minimum |
Maximum |
|
MRDL |
MRDLG |
Source of Chemical |
Level |
Level |
Level |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Chlorine Residual (Chloramines) |
2.89 |
1.00 |
3.90 |
|
4.0 |
<4.0 |
Disinfectant used to control microbes |
(ppm) (2020) |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unregulated Contaminants |
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Substance / Units / Year |
Range |
Average Level Detected |
|
Possible Source |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Chloroform (ppb) (2020) |
6.49 – 15.4 |
9.37 |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Bromoform (ppb) (2020) |
1.58 – 4.33 |
2.69 |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bromodichloromethane (ppb) |
9.60 – 13.8 |
11.21 |
|
||||
(2020) |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dibromochloromethane (ppb) |
7.75 – 11.4 |
9.13 |
|
||||
(2020) |
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE: Bromoform, chloroform, dichlorobromomethane, and dibromochloromethane are disinfection
Regulated at the Customer’s Tap
Substance / Units / Year |
Range |
90th Percentile |
# of sites over action |
Action |
Possible Source |
|
level |
Level |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|||
Lead (ppb) (2020) |
<0.00100 – 0.04590 |
0.01706 |
0 |
15 |
Corrosion of household plumbing |
|
systems; Erosion of natural deposits |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||
Copper (ppm) (2020) |
0.076 – 0.798 |
0.6800 |
0 |
1.3 |
Corrosion of household plumbing |
|
systems; Erosion of natural deposits |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
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. City of Richardson 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.
Richardson City Council
Mayor |
Paul Voelker |
Place 1 |
Bob Dubey |
Place 2 |
Mark Solomon (Mayor Pro Tem) |
Place 3 |
Janet DePuy |
Place 4 |
Kyle Kepner |
Place 5 |
Ken Hutchenrider |
Place 6 |
Steve Mitchell |
The Public Services Department is responsible for your water distribution and infrastructure system maintenance and is part of the City government. The City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Important Communication Links
Maintenance/Emergency Service (24 hours/day, 7 days/week)
(972)
Water Utilities Administration (8:00 am – 5:00 p.m.,
Customer Service Billing Information
-
744-4120
Mailing addresses: Richardson Water Utilities P.O. Box 830309 Richardson, Texas 75083
Web Pages:
City of Richardson – http://www.cor.net/
American Water Works Association – http://www.awwa.org/ Texas Water Utilities Association – http://www.twua.org/ TCEQ – http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/
USEPA – http://www.epa.gov/
Este reporte incluye informacion importante sobre el agua para tomar. Para asistencia en español, favor de llamar al telefono (972)
City of Richardson Water Utilities
1260 Columbia Drive
Richardson, TX 75081
Contaminants
City of Richardson
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: 104300
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Purchased surface water
- Total: 34
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
- 1%2C4-Dioxane
- 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.