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Southlake’s Water Source; Water Loss
Southlake’s Water Source
The City of Southlake gets all of its water from the City of Fort Worth’s Water Department. Fort Worth obtains water from surface water sources: Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain Lake, Lake Bridgeport, Richland Chambers Reservoir, Cedar Creek Reservoir, and the Clear Fork Trinity River (from Lake Benbrook). Fort Worth owns Lake Worth. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is responsible for Lake Benbrook. The other four lakes are owned and operated by Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD).
TCEQ ASSESSES RAW WATER SUPPLIES
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) completed an assessment of Fort Worth’s, and subsequently, Southlake’s source waters. TCEQ classified the risk to our source waters as high for most contaminants. High susceptibility means there are activities near the source water watershed that make it very likely chemical constituents may come into contact with the source water. It does not mean there are any health risks present. TRWD, from which the Southlake ultimately purchases its water, received assessment reports.
For more information on source water assessments and protections efforts at our system contact Southlake Water Utilities at 817-748-8082. Further details about the source water assessments are available at www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/swaview. Further details about sources and source water assessments are available through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater.
Every year the City of Southlake is required to report water loss to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). This is non-metered water used in fire hydrant protection, water line flushing for health and safety, and other activities. Water loss also includes water lost to leaks, line breaks, and other uncontrollable flow. We reported a loss of approximately 11 gallons per water account in 2019.
One of the most important tools in accurately measuring water loss and ensuring accurate utility billing is the water meters throughout the City. The large production meters that measure the incoming water purchased from the City of Fort Worth are tested and calibrated at least once per year. The Southlake Water Utilities’ goal is to conform to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) meter accuracy standard of 98.5% to 101.5%.
In accordance with the requirements of §290.272. Content of the Report. (g)(6) “Systems that use an interconnect or emergency source to augment the drinking water supply during the calendar year of the report must provide the source of the water, the length of time used, an explanation of why it was used, and whom to call for the water quality information.”
The Trinity River Authority of Texas-Tarrant Water Supply Project supplied water to Fort Worth through an emergency interconnection. The water was supplied from Jan. 15 through Jan. 18 and Feb. 26 through Feb. 28, as repayment for water supplied to TRA in a previous year for a pipeline rupture.
Microorganism Testing Shows Low Detections in Raw Water
Tarrant Regional Water District monitors the raw water at all intake sites for Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia and viruses. The source is human and animal fecal waste in the watershed.
The 2019 sampling showed low level detections of Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia and viruses in some but not all of the water supply sources. Viruses are treated through disinfection processes. Cryptosporidium and Giardia Lamblia are removed through disinfection and/or filtration. Viruses are treated through disinfection processes.
You may be more vulnerable than the general population to certain microbial contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, in drinking water. Infants, some elderly, or immuno-compromised persons such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer; those who have undergone organ transplants; those who are undergoing treatment with steroids; and people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders can be particularly at risk from infections. You should seek advice about drinking water from your physician or health care provider. Additional guidelines on appropriate ways to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline.
Lead and Copper Testing
If present, elevated levels of lead can lead to serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and private plumbing.
The City of Southlake is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. If you haven’t turned on any faucets in several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by ushing your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using the water for drinking or cooking. Never use hot water from the tap for cooking or preparing infant formula.
Contaminant
Copper Measure
ppm Action Level
90th Percentile
1.3 0.86 # Sites Over Action Level
0 MCLG Violation
1.3 No
Lead ppb 15 3.3 1 0 No Common Source of Substance
Erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives; corrosion of household plumbing systems
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits
If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may request to have your water tested through the City of Southlake Public Works Department. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Corrosion Control
To meet the requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule, Fort Worth achieves corrosion control through pH adjustment.
The City of Southlake has four water towers (called elevated storage tanks) and two pump stations (ground storage tanks). Have you spotted them all?
