Moving to Dallas, TX? What to Know About the Water
Water quality essentials for anyone relocating to Dallas.
Water Hardness: 100 PPM (moderately hard)
Dallas has moderately hard water at 100 PPM. Good news: you probably will not need a water softener. Focus on a simple carbon filter if you want to improve taste.
Contaminants to Know About
PFAS: Dallas has PFAS at 49.34 ppt, above the EPA limit of 4 ppt. These "forever chemicals" do not break down in your body. If you are pregnant, have young children, or plan to live here long-term, a reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter for your kitchen tap is a worthwhile investment ($200-$500). Learn about PFAS.
Lead levels are within normal ranges. If your new home has pre-1986 plumbing, a quick test ($15-$30) confirms your tap specifically.
Chlorine is present at 1.9 mg/L. This is above the taste threshold - you will likely notice a pool-like taste and smell, especially in showers. A carbon filter or shower filter ($30-$40) resolves this. Dallas Water Utilities is your water provider.
First-Week Water Checklist
Flush the pipes: Run every faucet (hot and cold) for 5 minutes after moving in. Water has been sitting in the pipes during the vacancy, and lead/copper levels are highest in stagnant water.
Check the water heater: Note its age (labeled on the unit). Set temperature to 120°F.
Inspect fixtures: Look for existing scale buildup on faucets and shower heads. Heavy white deposits indicate the previous owners did not have a softener - and your plumbing may already have internal scale.
Request the CCR: Contact Dallas Water Utilities for the latest Consumer Confidence Report, which provides neighborhood-level water quality data.
Test your tap: A $15-$25 home test kit confirms whether your specific tap matches city averages. Worth doing if the home has older plumbing.
What to Budget for Water Treatment
Basic filtration: A carbon pitcher filter ($20-$40) or under-sink filter ($50-$200) is likely all you need for improved taste.
Priority 2: PFAS filter. Under-sink reverse osmosis ($200-$500) for drinking and cooking water. Non-negotiable if you have kids or plan to start a family.
Nice to have: Shower filter. $30-$40. Noticeable improvement in skin and hair dryness within the first week. Easy to install, easy to justify.
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz - it factors in your budget, household size, and whether you rent or own.