Water Quality and Safety

The City's drinking water comes from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). Lake Lavon is the main water source for the district. Additional water supplies are available from Lake Texoma on the Red River and Lake Cooper in east Texas.

Water quality is regulated by the State of Texas. The City of Allen is rated as a Superior Water system, the highest level possible. Find more information about water quality on the North Texas Municipal Water District website.

Annual water system maintenance

Allen's water supplier, North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), performs annual system maintenance to keep drinking water free of microorganisms. Some people notice a slight change to the taste or smell of tap water during this period, which typically occurs for four weeks in early spring. The change is caused by the temporary adjustment of chemicals used to treat our water from both chlorine and ammonia to chlorine only. Though water may taste or smell different, it is safe for drinking and bathing.

Water quality sampling and testing

Allen's water system is sampled and tested in accordance with state and federal requirements to ensure the citizens of Allen have a safe supply of water. At the City's pump station, water conditions are monitored 24 hours a day to ensure disinfectant concentrations remain high enough to eliminate microorganisms, yet low enough to ensure safe consumption.

Lead and copper testing

Water pipes and storage systems used by the City of Allen and NTMWD do not contain any lead. However, some homes built before 1986 may have lead or copper pipes, fixtures or solder. Allen participates in the The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) lead and copper monitoring program, which collects samples from homes built before 1986 for laboratory testing.

In 2023, the City of Allen partnered with 120Water to solicit volunteers, distribute test kits and collect water samples from qualifying homeowners. Test results will be returned to homeowners within 10 business days and later posted on Texas Drinking Water Watch website and in the 2024 Annual Water Quality Report.

More information on lead and copper regulation is available on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) website.

Backflow testing

A backflow prevention assembly is used to prevent contaminated water from irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems and other external sources to “backflow” into customers' drinking water. Backflow devices must be inspected annually. The City of Allen partners with Aqua Backflow to track and monitor backflow test reports. Water customers are responsible for hiring a licensed TCEQ inspector who is registered in Allen.

Annual Water Quality Report

The most recent Annual Water Quality Report [PDF] summarizes information about the quality of drinking water. Customers can also view prior reports for data from previous years.


Water storage tank maintenance

Professional inspectors examine Allen's water storage tanks and towers annually to ensure they remain in good condition. Cleaning and repainting is sometimes recommended to remove sediment and protect surfaces.