Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Garland?
Yes, tap water in Garland is safe to drink. The city buys treated water from the North Texas Municipal Water District, which meets all EPA standards. A brief chlorine taste each spring during system maintenance is normal and safe.
Water Source
Garland purchases treated water wholesale from the North Texas Municipal Water District, sourced mainly from Lake Lavon along with Lake Texoma, Lake Chapman, and the East Fork wetlands reuse project.
EPA Compliance Status
Meets all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Notable Contaminants & Context
- •Disinfection byproducts are monitored and kept within EPA limits across the NTMWD system
- •Seasonal taste and odor from lake algae (geosmin) can appear in warm months — harmless but noticeable
- •During the annual spring chlorine maintenance, the district temporarily switches from chloramine to free chlorine, which some residents smell; the water remains safe and compliant
How It Compares
NTMWD's spring chlorine maintenance drew regional attention and complaints in 2018, but state regulators confirmed the practice is standard for chloramine systems across Texas and the water stayed within all federal limits.
Tips
- •If spring chlorine smell bothers you, chill water in an open pitcher or use a carbon filter
- •Summer earthy taste is algae-related geosmin, not contamination
- •NTMWD and Garland both publish annual water quality reports
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations
- •EWG Tap Water Database
- •The utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality