Show All Answers

1. How often is my water tested?

Our supplier North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) performs over 1,000 tests per day to make sure that your water meets all federal, state and local regulations set to ensure the safety of the treated water before it's transported to Garland’s storage facilities.

The City of Garland is required by law to furnish 150 bacteriological samples per month for testing. Samples are taken daily throughout the distribution system then delivered to the Garland Water Utilities Laboratory for analysis.  The Lab is accredited under the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) drinking water and wastewater analysis.

2. What is the hardness of my water?

Garland's water is considered hard. The hardness levels can change from month to month, but averages 161 milligrams per liter or 7.0 to 10.5 grains per gallon. Calcium and magnesium salts are the minerals in water which are responsible for its hardness. Hardness does not affect the safety of water.

3. Why does North Texas Municipal Water District add chlorine to the water?

Chlorine is added to the water as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. It is the most common method of disinfecting drinking water.

North Texas Municipal Water District uses "Chloramines" for water disinfection, leaving a chloramine residual behind for secondary disinfection of water in the distribution system. Chloramines are formed by combining chlorine and ammonia before injection to the water.

4. Why does my water look cloudy?

Water in the distribution system is under pressure. Air sometimes dissolves in the water in the pressurized lines. At the faucet, the air gives water a "cloudy" or "milky" appearance. In fact many faucets have aeration features built in. The quality of the water is not affected by the entrained air. Let the water stand in an open container for a few minutes. The air in the water will disperse to the atmosphere.

5. What are the white particles coming from my tap?

Customers sometimes report white particles that clog plumbing fixtures. They may be bits of calcium carbonate scale coming from your water heater. The scaling may be worsened because water heater thermostat is too high. If the particles are calcium carbonate, you probably need to flush your water heater.

Many manufacturers recommend periodic flushing of water heaters to remove sediment that can build up. The sediment can cause discoloration of the water and can make the water heater less efficient. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's owner's guide for your water heater. Water heater manufacturers also make interchangeable anodes for differing water conditions. Check your manufacturer and model literature for a note such as the following:

Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will slowly deplete while protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion and prolonging the life of the water heater. Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between this rod and the water. Once the anode is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, eventually developing a leak. The most common complaint associated with the anode rod is a "rotten egg smell" produced from the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. Do not remove this rod permanently as it will void any warranties, stated or implied. The parts list includes a special anode that can be ordered if water odor or discoloration occurs. This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor problems.

6. What is the pH of Garland's water?

The acid content of water is measured by pH. The pH of Garland's water ranges from 7.6 to 8.3 with an average of 8.0.

7. Why is my water discolored? Is this safe?

Discolored water which is reddish brown can be caused by corrosion in the pipes that carry the water from the distribution system to your home or corrosion in your home's plumbing, including the water heater. The discolored water meets all health-based regulations, but it can stain laundry. Do not heat-dry laundry washed in rust-colored water. Call the City of Garland at 972-205-3210 for assistance with discolored water.

8. Why is fluoride added to the water?

Fluoride is added to the water, as required by state law (passed in 1970), to protect teeth. According to the American Dental Association, persons who drink fluoridated water have a 40 to 50% reduction in the number of cavities that would have occurred without fluoride. Some home filtration devices remove fluoride from water, and bottled water may or may not contain fluoride.

9. How do I get information on bottled water and home filters?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating bottled water. For information about bottled water regulations call the FDA at 1-888-723-3366 or visit the FDA website.

For more information about home treatment devices call the National Sanitation Foundation at 1-800-673-6275, visit the National Sanitation Foundation website, or email the National Sanitation Foundation.

10. Why does my water have an earthy taste and odor during the summer months? Is the water safe to drink?

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. North Texas Municipal Water District utilizes several steps to control the taste and odor produced by the algal blooms. Laboratory personnel, through daily analysis, perform algal counts and can determine the onset of an algal bloom.

With the onset of an algal bloom, additional chemicals are added to the treatment process. Potassium permanganate is added as an oxidizing agent in reducing the odor levels. To reduce the unpleasant taste, activated carbon is used as an absorption media. Each of these chemicals is removed during the treatment process prior to delivery of the potable water supply. Chlorine, which is used as the disinfectant in the treatment process, also aids in odor reduction.

Yes. The taste and odor is a palatability issue. No health hazards are created regardless of the taste and odor.