tapsafe
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Is Allen Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 24, 2022
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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

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
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.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Allen Water - Frequently Asked Questions

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.
HOW DO I CONTACT ALLEN CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Allen water provider, City of Allen, please use the information below.
By Mail: 305 CENTURY PKWY
ALLEN, TX, 75013-8042
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CITY OF ALLEN
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their City of Allen account to pay their Allen water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

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.

Want to pay without an account?

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.

HOW TO START & STOP ALLEN WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

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.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

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.

Stop Service Form

The estimated price of bottled water

$1.5 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Allen tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 33% Low
  • Water Pollution 45% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 67% High
  • Water Quality 55% Moderate

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.

 

high-quality drinking water.

 

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 Jan.-Dec. 2020

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

By-Products 2 Rule (DBP2).

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

naturally-occurring

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

By-Products

Date

Detected

Detected

 

 

 

 

 

Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

2020

24.8

12.0-24.8

No goal for the total

60

ppb

No

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)

2020

41.2

22.0-41.2

No goal for the total

80

ppb

No

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

Bromate

2020

8.91

8.91-8.91

5

10

ppb

No

By-product of drinking water ozonation.

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

0.058-0.061

2

2

ppm

No

Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of

natural deposits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluoride

2020

0.225

0.218-0.225

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

0.266-0.827

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

8.0-8.0

 

0

 

50

 

 

pCi/L

No

Decay of natural and man-made deposits.

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

0.2-0.2

 

3

 

3

 

 

ppb

No

Runoff from herbicide used on row crops.

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

 

2020

0.6

0.6-0.6

 

0

 

6

 

 

ppb

No

Discharge from rubber and chemical factories.

Simazine

 

2020

0.08

0.07-0.08

 

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

 

3.95-5.16

 

 

 

ppm

Naturally present in the environment.

Drinking Water

 

2020

 

 

 

3.14

 

2.13-3.14

 

 

 

ppm

Naturally present in the environment.

Removal Ratio

 

2020

 

 

 

53.9

 

28.4-53.9

 

 

% removal*

N/A

NOTE: Total organic

carbon (TOC) has no

health effects. The disinfectant can combine with TOC to form disinfection by-products. Disinfection is necessary to ensure that water does not

have unacceptable levels of pathogens. By-products of disinfection include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA) which are reported elsewhere in this report.

* 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

 

 

6.61-15.7

 

 

ppb

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

Bromoform

 

 

 

2020

 

3.8

 

 

1.33-3.8

 

 

ppb

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

Bromodichloromethane

 

 

 

2020

 

15.3

 

 

8.06-15.3

 

 

ppb

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

Dibromochloromethane

 

 

 

2020

 

9.84

 

 

5.84-9.84

 

 

ppb

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

NOTE: Bromoform, chloroform,

 

bromodichloromethane,

and dibromochloromethane are disinfection by-products. There is no maximum contaminant level for these chemicals at the

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

 

58.3-62.4

ppm

 

 

 

 

 

Abundant naturally occurring element.

Chloride

 

2020

 

78.9

 

23.2-78.9

ppm

Abundant naturally occurring element; used in water purification; by-product of oil field activity.

Magnesium

 

2020

 

9.40

 

8.83-9.40

ppm

 

 

 

 

 

Abundant naturally occurring element.

Manganese

 

2020

 

0.017

 

0.012-0.017

ppm

 

 

 

 

 

Abundant naturally occurring element.

Nickel

 

2020

 

0.0068

 

0.0066-0.0068

ppm

 

 

 

 

 

Erosion of natural deposits.

pH

 

2020

 

8.60

 

8.04-8.60

units

 

 

 

 

 

Measure of corrosivity of water.

Sodium

 

2020

 

68.5

 

62.7-68.5

ppm

 

 

 

 

Erosion of natural deposits; by-product of oil field activity.

Sulfate

 

2020

 

158

 

42.0-158

ppm

 

Naturally occurring; common industrial by-product; by-product of oil field activity.

Total Alkalinity as CaCO3

 

2020

 

107

 

72.0-107

ppm

 

 

 

 

 

Naturally occurring soluble mineral salts.

Total Dissolved Solids

 

2020

 

504

 

265-504

ppm

 

 

 

 

 

Naturally occurring calcium.

Total Hardness as CaCO3

 

 

2020

 

207

 

106-207

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.

Low-Flow Toilet

50% of the cost up to a maximum of $100 for replacing an existing high-volume toilet with a new qualifying low-flow toilet.

Water Efficient Washing Machines

50% of the cost up to a maximum of $75, $100 or $125, depending on tier rating, for a qualifying water-efficient washing machine purchase.

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 million”-or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water.

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 by-product of disinfection of water. Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

HAA stands for haloacedic acid, a by-product of disinfection. TOC is the abbreviation for total organic carbon.

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.

Sources and Resources

Sources Cited

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