Water Quality Reports

Where Your Water Comes From

Austin Water draws surface water from the Lower Colorado River as it flows through Lake Travis and Lake Austin. We treat this water at three specialized water treatment plants to a standard that exceeds what federal and state law requires.

Source water assessments completed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) indicate that some of our sources are susceptible to certain contaminants. Sampling requirements for our water system are based on this susceptibility and previous sample data. Any detection of these contaminants will be noted in the Consumer Confidence Report. For more information, contact Austin Water's Water Quality Manager at 512-972-0012.

How We Test and Treat Your Water

Our top priority is to ensure your water is safe and satisfying to drink. Austin Water collects samples at our treatment plants and across our water system multiple times a day, every day, to test for bacteria and chemicals that could pose a risk to our customers.

Protecting Infrastructure

• Following Winter Storm Uri in 2021, Austin Water repaired and winterized infrastructure to better withstand future extreme freezing weather.
• In 2020, we installed a copper sulfate feed system to protect raw water piping against zebra mussels, which can damage equipment and affect taste and odor.
• In October 2024, Austin Water completed a comprehensive inventory of all public water service lines and confirmed that Austin's public water system contains no lead pipes.

Treatment Reliability

• Austin Water sets treatment goals and quality standards that go beyond the minimum state and federal requirements. TCEQ requires treated water clarity (turbidity) of 0.3 NTU or less. Austin Water's goal is 0.1 NTU or lower, and we consistently achieve this standard.
• A polymer feed system installed in 2020 strengthens our ability to manage flooding impacts and improve filter performance, particularly during high turbidity events. Polymer systems are fully operational across all three water treatment plants.
• Powdered activated carbon is added during treatment to minimize taste and odor issues so your water tastes fresh.
• Licensed plant operators conduct water testing at least every two hours during multiple phases of the treatment process every day, checking disinfectant residual, turbidity, pH, alkalinity and water softening levels. On-line equipment continuously monitors treatment performance in real time.

Quality Control in Storage and Distribution

• Water storage tanks are routinely tested for bacteriological contaminants to ensure water remains at the same quality as when it left the treatment plant.
• Water quality instrumentation is installed and maintained in every major pressure zone to provide real-time monitoring throughout the distribution system.
• 90% of polybutylene service water lines identified for replacement have been upgraded as part of a capital improvement project to reduce line breaks and minimize the risk of contaminant infiltration.
• More than 300 water samples are collected each month to test for bacteriological contaminants, total chlorine residual and other parameters throughout the distribution system.
• Annual maintenance is conducted on every fire hydrant in Austin to ensure customers receive fresh water.

What's in Your Water

Drinking water — including bottled water — may contain small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate a health risk. Contaminants that may affect taste, color or odor are not necessarily a cause for health concern. For more information, contact Austin Water at 512-972-0012 or call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

Sources of drinking water — both tap and bottled — include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the land or through the ground, it can pick up naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can be affected by human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, pesticides and herbicides, organic chemicals and radioactive contaminants.

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause an infection called gastroenteritis in humans and animals. It spreads through contact with contaminated soil, water, food or surfaces. Austin Water monitors our lakes for Cryptosporidium because surface water sources are known to be susceptible to this contaminant.

In 2024, Austin Water collected 20 samples for Cryptosporidium monitoring. All samples reported no detection. Our treatment processes are effective at removing Cryptosporidium.

Harmful Algal Blooms

Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, are microscopic organisms found naturally in surface water. In warm, nutrient-rich water, cyanobacteria can multiply quickly and create algal blooms that spread across the water's surface. Some algae may produce cyanotoxins that can be harmful to humans and animals.

Austin Water has monitored source water and drinking water for cyanobacteria since 1992 and for cyanotoxins since 2015. We conduct routine testing in Lake Austin and Lake Travis and in finished water at the Handcox, Davis and Ullrich water treatment plants. Sampling frequency adjusts based on changing conditions. We also use digital imaging particle analysis and same-day testing technology to detect harmful algae faster than traditional methods.

Our treatment plants use coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation and filtration to physically remove cyanobacteria cells. Chlorine used in the disinfection process destroys cyanotoxins, and powdered activated carbon used for taste and odor control also removes cyanotoxins. We meet regularly with the City of Austin's Watershed Protection Department and the Lower Colorado River Authority to coordinate testing and mitigation approaches.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

In December 2024, Austin Water released results from a year of water quality testing conducted under the EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5). The rule required drinking water providers to test for lithium and 29 specific PFAS chemicals — sometimes called "forever chemicals" — six of which will soon be regulated. Austin Water's results revealed little to no detectable traces of PFAS in Austin's drinking water. Because PFAS levels were either not detected or were lower than EPA regulatory limits, no additional treatment is required at this time.

Upcoming PFAS Regulations

• 2023 to 2027: Water utilities nationwide are participating in UCMR 5 testing. Results will be used to determine future testing and treatment requirements.
• 2027 to 2029: Rules for PFAS sampling and reporting will take effect.
• 2029 and beyond: Required treatment processes to remove PFAS from drinking water must be in place.

UCMR 5 Test Results

UCMR 5 results are shown in parts per trillion (ppt). For reference, one ppt is equivalent to one drop in three Barton Springs Pools. Because testing involves trace amounts, some variation between quarters can be expected. Some PFAS will be regulated using a Hazard Index computed from a mixture of four distinct PFAS. Austin's Hazard Index ranges from 0.0 to 0.6 with an average of 0.2 across all four quarters.

*Asterisks indicate chemicals to be regulated in 2027. View proposed EPA limits.

Lead

Austin Water Confirms No Lead Pipes in the System

In October 2024, Austin Water completed a comprehensive multi-year inventory of all public water service lines in compliance with EPA guidelines and confirmed that Austin's public water system contains no lead pipes. Lead has not been permitted in public pipeline infrastructure since the 1950s. Austin Water has removed any preexisting lead lines during normal maintenance and water line rehabilitation since the 1960s.

Austin Water's lime softening process helps coat pipes and prevent corrosion that could leach lead into drinking water, even on the private side of the meter.

View the service line materials inventory for your address. Austin Water also encourages schools and licensed daycares to enroll in the TCEQ free voluntary testing program for free lead testing and filters where lead is found.

Check Your Plumbing for Lead

Common sources of lead in drinking water include lead pipes, solder and brass plumbing components such as faucets, fixtures and pipe fittings. In Austin, lead pipes are less common than in many other major U.S. cities because Austin stopped allowing lead pipe in private construction in 1967. Homes built before 1986 — when federal rules began requiring lead-free pipes and solder — have long been considered most at risk. Fittings and fixtures were not included in these rules until 1996, with the most recent revisions to "lead free" standards applied as late as 2014.

Your property's build date can be found through your county's property tax assessor. For Travis County properties, visit the Travis Central Appraisal District.

Galvanized iron or steel pipes that were previously connected to lead pipes — known as galvanized requiring replacement, or GRR — may have absorbed lead and present an increased risk of lead exposure.

Reducing Your Risk

If present, lead can cause serious health effects in people of all ages, especially pregnant people, infants and young children. You can help protect yourself and your family by taking these steps:

• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead.
• Before using tap water for drinking, cooking or making baby formula, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower or running a load of laundry or dishes. If you have a lead or GRR service line, flush for a longer period.
• Use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead. Follow the filter instructions to ensure proper use.
• If you are concerned about lead in your water, contact Austin Water at 512-972-2133.

For more information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps to minimize exposure, visit EPA Lead in Drinking Water.

Fluoride

Austin Water began adding fluoride to drinking water on Feb. 2, 1973, following a community referendum in the early 1970s. Fluoride was first added to municipal drinking water in 1945 to fight tooth decay, with follow-up studies showing a 50% to 70% reduction in cavities over 13 to 15 years.

On Dec. 15, 2011, Austin City Council voted to continue fluoridating in accordance with public health recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the City's Health and Human Services Department. Austin Water must follow current fluoridation policies until they are changed or no longer in place.

Austin Water's fluoridation practices follow guidance from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), which supports recommendations from the World Health Organization, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control, American Dental Association and other leading health organizations.

Austin Water is monitoring the EPA's response to a recent federal court ruling on fluoridation. The ruling does not require immediate changes to any water system's fluoridation practices and does not overrule the EPA's existing drinking water standards for fluoride. Austin Water will continue to coordinate with Austin Public Health on fluoridation decisions to ensure the protection of public health.

Fluoride and Infants

Water fluoridated at a level optimal for oral health poses no known health risks for infants. However, some children may develop enamel fluorosis, a cosmetic condition where faint white markings or streaks may appear on teeth. To minimize your baby's exposure, you can breastfeed, use ready-to-feed formula, or alternate tap water with non-fluoridated water when preparing infant formula. If you use only non-fluoridated water such as purified, deionized or distilled water to prepare formula, your doctor may recommend fluoride supplements.

Current Results and Archived Reports

Visit our monthly and quarterly water quality summaries for the most current results including total hardness, pH, total dissolved solids and more.

Austin Water is completing the 2024 Water Loss Audit and Infrastructure Leak Index (ILI) for the Texas Water Development Board. Results will be posted in the Managing Water Loss section of the System Maintenance page when available.

Annual water quality reports from previous years:

• 2023 Water Quality Report (PDF)
• 2022 Water Quality Report (PDF)
• 2021 Water Quality Report (PDF)

Stay Informed

There are many opportunities to learn more about Austin's water quality and get involved in decisions that affect your water.

• Attend an Austin City Council or Water and Wastewater Commission meeting to provide public input on water quality issues.
• Follow Austin Water on Facebook, X and Instagram for water quality updates, conservation tips, landscaping advice and cold weather pipe protection information.
• Contact Austin Water's Water Quality Manager at 512-972-0012 with questions about source water assessments or water quality concerns.