Water Quality in McKinney, TX

McKinney's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 93 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

City of McKinney · Source: North Texas MWD · Serves 199,177 residents

93
Hardness (PPM)
228
TDS (PPM)
1.8
Chlorine (mg/L)
3
PFAS (ppt)
1
Lead (ppb)
93 PPM 0 400 Moderately Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 93 PPM TDS 228 PPM PFAS 3 ppt Lead 1 ppb Chlorine 1.8 mg/L Nitrate 3 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where McKinney Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Moderately hard water

McKinney receives treated surface water from North Texas reservoirs. At 93 PPM, the water is moderately hard — enough to cause gradual scale buildup but not as severe as groundwater-fed Texas cities like San Antonio or El Paso. Chloramine disinfection is common in the DFW metro.

What McKinney's Water Means for Your Home

McKinney's water is moderately hard at 93 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in McKinney, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, McKinney's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.8 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)93 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids228 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)3 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead1 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.8 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate3 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for McKinney Homes

🔄 Salt-Free Conditioner (Optional)
At 93 PPM, McKinney's water is moderately hard. Scale buildup is slow but noticeable over years, especially in tankless water heaters. A salt-free conditioner is a low-maintenance option if you want to extend appliance life.
Learn more about this solution →
🚿 Whole-House Carbon Filter
Chlorine measured at 1.8 mg/L. While safe to drink, this level often causes noticeable taste, odor, and can dry skin and hair. A whole-house carbon filter removes chlorine from every faucet and shower.
Learn more about this solution →

About McKinney's Water Supply

Water Utility: City of McKinney

Water Source: North Texas MWD

Population Served: 199,177

Hardness: 93 PPM (5.4 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of McKinney. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare McKinney to Other Texas Cities

Houston

120 PPM · Hard

San Antonio

240 PPM · Very Hard

Dallas

100 PPM · Moderately Hard

Fort Worth

110 PPM · Moderately Hard

El Paso

265 PPM · Extremely Hard

Arlington

124 PPM · Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About McKinney Water

Is McKinney tap water safe to drink?
McKinney's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in McKinney?
At 93 PPM, McKinney's water is moderately hard. Some homeowners at this level do not notice problems, while others see spotting on glassware, film on shower doors, or reduced soap lathering. Homes with tankless water heaters at this hardness level should strongly consider at least a salt-free conditioner, as scale buildup inside the heat exchanger can void the warranty. For other homes, it depends on your sensitivity and fixtures.
What water filter is best for McKinney?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does McKinney's water come from?
McKinney's drinking water is sourced from North Texas MWD and treated by City of McKinney. McKinney receives treated surface water from North Texas reservoirs. At 93 PPM, the water is moderately hard — enough to cause gradual scale buildup but not as severe as groundwater-fed Texas cities like San Antonio or El Paso.
What is the hardness of McKinney water in grains per gallon?
McKinney's water hardness is 5.4 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 93 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as moderately hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does McKinney water damage tankless water heaters?
At 5.4 GPG, McKinney's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is McKinney water safe for babies and infants?
McKinney's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the City of McKinney Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.