Fort Worth – Texas
Fort Worth, the 13th-largest city in the United States, supplies water to over 1 million residents through the Fort Worth Water Department, which operates one of Texas’s most extensive municipal water systems. The department manages approximately 3,600 miles of water mains, seven water treatment plants, and numerous pumping stations, delivering more than 180 million gallons daily across the city and its service areas.
Fort Worth’s water comes primarily from three major surface water reservoirs: Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake, and Lake Bridgeport, supplemented by the Trinity River. The city has invested significantly in diversifying its water portfolio, including agreements for Colorado River water and groundwater resources. Fort Worth is recognized for its innovative water management strategies, including aggressive conservation programs and advanced treatment technologies that ensure reliable, high-quality water supply despite periodic drought conditions in North Texas.
Fort Worth Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 3.4 parts per billion (ppb), well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, demonstrating effective corrosion control and modern infrastructure.
- Testing Scope: Fort Worth conducts over 75,000 water quality tests annually across its distribution system, including regular lead and copper monitoring at residential properties throughout the service area.
- Compliance Status: Fort Worth’s water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining a strong record of regulatory compliance since enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Surface Water Excellence
- Multiple Reservoir System: Fort Worth draws water from Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake, and Lake Bridgeport, providing supply security and water quality flexibility during different seasons.
- Advanced Treatment Processes: All surface water receives comprehensive treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and both chlorination and chloramination for disinfection.
- Source Water Protection: Extensive watershed management programs and land use controls around reservoirs help maintain high source water quality.
Water Supply Innovation
- Diversified Portfolio: In addition to local reservoirs, Fort Worth has secured rights to Colorado River water and is developing new groundwater resources to enhance drought resilience.
- Village Creek Water Reuse: Texas’s first direct potable reuse facility treats wastewater to ultra-pure standards, providing up to 10 million gallons daily for the water supply.
- Integrated Water Resources: Comprehensive planning ensures sustainable water supply through 2065, incorporating conservation, recycling, and new source development.
Infrastructure Excellence
- Modernization Program: Systematic replacement of aging water mains with approximately 25 miles of new pipe installed annually, focusing on pipes installed before 1950.
- Smart Water Technology: Advanced metering infrastructure with customer leak detection, real-time system monitoring, and automated controls for optimal water quality management.
- Emergency Preparedness: Redundant treatment capabilities, backup power systems, and comprehensive drought contingency plans ensure reliable service during emergencies.
Conservation Leadership
Fort Worth has reduced per capita water consumption by over 30% since 2000 through innovative conservation programs, including one of the nation’s most successful outdoor watering ordinances and comprehensive customer education initiatives. The city’s “Pay-As-You-Save” financing program helps residents upgrade to water-efficient fixtures without upfront costs. Fort Worth also leads Texas cities in implementing water recycling, with plans to expand direct potable reuse and continue diversifying water sources to ensure sustainability for future generations.
Recommendations for Fort Worth Residents
Follow Watering Rules
Adhere to Fort Worth’s twice-weekly watering schedule (based on address). Water between 8 PM and 10 AM to reduce evaporation, and never water on consecutive days. Check fortworth.com/water for current drought levels.
Access Rebates
Take advantage of Fort Worth’s extensive rebate programs for water-efficient toilets, smart irrigation controllers, and rainwater harvesting systems. The “Pay-As-You-Save” program offers financing for qualifying upgrades.
Test Your Water
Request free water quality testing by calling (817) 392-7431 or visiting Fort Worth’s Water Treatment Operations. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1987 or with known plumbing issues.
Report Issues
Report water main breaks, pressure issues, or quality concerns immediately to (817) 392-7413. Use the MyFortWorth app for quick reporting and receive updates on service interruptions in your area.
Consider Xeriscaping
Replace traditional turf with drought-tolerant native plants. Fort Worth offers free landscape design consultations and rebates for turf replacement to help create beautiful, water-wise yards suitable for North Texas climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Worth’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Fort Worth’s tap water is safe and meets all federal and state drinking water standards. Our water comes from surface reservoirs that undergo extensive treatment including filtration, coagulation, and disinfection. Fort Worth conducts over 75,000 water quality tests annually and publishes results in our annual Water Quality Report.
We use advanced treatment processes and maintain strict quality control throughout our seven treatment plants. While our water consistently meets all regulatory requirements, residents in homes built before 1987 may want to test for lead as a precaution, though our system shows very low lead levels. Free testing is available through our Water Department.
What is Fort Worth doing about drought?
Fort Worth has implemented a comprehensive drought management strategy that includes:
• Water Portfolio Diversification: Securing Colorado River water and developing new groundwater sources
• Village Creek Direct Potable Reuse: Converting wastewater to drinking water quality
• Conservation Programs: Achieving 30% reduction in per capita water use since 2000
• Smart Water Infrastructure: Advanced leak detection and system optimization
• Stage-based Restrictions: Escalating conservation measures based on reservoir levels
Our long-term water plan ensures reliable supply through 2065, even during severe drought conditions.
What are Fort Worth’s current water restrictions?
Fort Worth maintains year-round conservation measures with additional restrictions during drought levels:
Normal Conditions (Current):
• Twice weekly watering based on address
• No watering between 10 AM and 8 PM
• No consecutive day watering
• Must use automatic shut-off nozzles
Drought Level Restrictions:
• Level 2 (Mild): Once weekly watering
• Level 3 (Moderate): Hand watering only
• Level 4 (Severe): Emergency conservation measures
Check fortworth.com/drought for current level and specific requirements. Violations can result in fines from $50 to $500.
Why does my water taste like chlorine sometimes?
Fort Worth uses both chlorination and chloramination for water disinfection to ensure safety throughout our extensive distribution system. Chlorine taste or odor may be more noticeable:
• During summer months when higher disinfectant levels are needed
• After system maintenance or flushing activities
• In areas closer to treatment plants
• During high water demand periods
This is normal and does not affect safety. To reduce taste:
• Refrigerate water in an open container for several hours
• Fill a pitcher and let sit uncovered at room temperature
• Use a basic carbon filter if preferred
Chlorine levels are carefully monitored and maintained within safe EPA guidelines.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in surface water from our reservoirs
Health Effects: Potential increased risk of bladder cancer and reproductive issues with long-term exposure to elevated levels
Current Status: Continuously monitored and maintained well below EPA limits; levels vary seasonally but remain within safe ranges
Lead
Source: Primarily from older residential plumbing and service connections, particularly homes built before 1987
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, reduced IQ, kidney problems, reproductive issues, cardiovascular effects in adults
Current Levels: 90th percentile value of 3.4 ppb, well below EPA action level of 15 ppb, but no level of lead is considered safe
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