The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is an annual water quality report that is delivered to customers by July 1 each year, as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Utility employees conduct over 6,000 water quality tests each year, both at our treatment plants and in the field, including tests at customers’ homes. This testing provides vital information for the CCR, including details on our source water, levels of detected contaminants, and compliance with drinking water regulations.
The City of Waco is proud to ensure you receive high-quality drinking water and is pleased to report that we had zero violations. Along with daily testing, a lot of effort goes into providing our customers with safe and delicious drinking water.
- 220 Employees work in nine divisions to answer questions, perform repairs and monitor the system.
- 126 Licensed Operators have worked, studied and passed tests to make sure we have qualified employees to do all the jobs.
- 3 Water Treatment Plants clarify, disinfect and filter water from Lake Waco—including a state-of-the-art Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Plant.
- 2 Wastewater Treatment Plants take water that flowed down your drains and use microbes to make it safe to return to the rivers and creeks.
- 20,296 Valves help keep the right amount of water flowing through the whole system.
- 5,957 Hydrants pull water from the system for a variety of reasons—including fighting fires.
- 13 Ground Storage Tanks
- 6 Elevated Storage Tanks
- 51,666 Water Meters use Automated Meter technology to make sure we’re billing accurately and help you notice leaks earlier.
- 27.7 Million Gallons treated per day on average based on how much water is being used.
- 442 Leaks Repaired every year means our staff is in the field repairing leaks every day. Thanks for reporting them so we never miss a thing!
- 6,012 Water Quality Tests performed every year at the treatment plants, in the field, at construction sites and more!
- 90,394 Customer Service Calls are answered to help people pay their bills, report leaks and get the answers they need.
- 1,160 Miles Of Water Lines carry safe, delicious drinking water to homes, schools and businesses in the service area.
- 935 Miles Of Wastewater Lines carry wastewater safely to our treatment plants where it’s treated and returned to nature.
- 1,660 Square Miles Of Watershed influences the contents of our source water as runoff carries dirt, minerals and other materials downstream.
- 1,060 Square Miles Of Service area with residents, schools and businesses who use gallons of water and make gallons of wastewater every day.
- Open 24/7/365 to answer your calls, monitor the system and respond to emergencies.
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPAs Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
- Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
- Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
- Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.
- Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.
- Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Water Treatment Process
- Source: Water flows from Lake Waco to the treatment plant by gravity.
- Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Treatment: Air injected into the water forms bubbles that attach to suspended solids, causing them to float to the surface where they are removed. this step is critical for removing algae and organic matter.
- Ozone Treatment: The water then undergoes ozonation, eliminating pathogens and significantly improving taste and odor. Ozone is a powerful oxidant that enhances overall water quality before conventional treatment.
- Filtration: Next, water flows through filters that capture fine particles.
- Disinfection: Filtered water is disinfected with a small amount of chloramine to protect public health.
- Delivered: The water is ready to be stored and safe for consumption.
Infographic of the Treatment Process
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
Contaminants may be found in drinking water that may cause taste, color, or odor problems. These types of problems are not necessarily causes for health concerns. For more information on taste, odor, or color of drinking water, please contact the City of Waco Water Quality Lab at (254) 750-1662.
You may be more vulnerable than the general population to certain microbial contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, in drinking water. Infants, some elderly, or immunocompromised persons such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer; persons 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 providers. Additional guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause 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 home plumbing. We are responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but we cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Waco Water Utility Services met or exceeded all regulatory drinking water standards in 2024.
Information about Source Water TCEQ completed an assessment of your source water, and results indicate that some of our sources are susceptible to certain contaminants. The sampling requirements for your water system is based on this susceptibility and previous sample data. Any detections of these contaminants will be found in this Consumer Confidence Report. For more information on source water assessments and protection efforts at our system contact the City of Waco Water Quality Lab at (254) 750-1662.
Coliform Bacteria
- MCLG: 0
- Total Coliform MCL: 5% of monthly samples are positive
- Highest No. of Positive: 2.08
- Fecal Coliform or E. Coli MCL: none
- Total no. of Positive E. Coli or Fecal Coliform Samples: 0
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Naturally present in the environment
Lead & Copper
Date Sampled: 07/27/2024
Lead
- MCLG: 0
- Action Level (AL): 15
- 90th Percentile: 1.89
- # Sites Over AL: 0
- Units: ppb
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.
Copper
- MCLG: 1.3
- Action Level (AL): 1.3
- 90th Percentile: .0123
- # Sites Over AL: 0
- Units: ppm
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives; corrosion of household plumbing systems.
Disinfection By-Products
Collection Date: 2024
Bromate
- Highest Level Detected: 13.4
- Range of Individual Samples: 0 - 13.4
- MCLG: 0
- MCL: 10
- Units: ppb
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: By-product of drinking water disinfection.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
- Highest Level Detected: 24.5*
- Range of Individual Samples: 6 - 24.5
- MCLG: No goal for the total
- MCL: 60
- Units: ppb
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: By-product of drinking water disinfection.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
- Highest Level Detected: 44.9*
- Range of Individual Samples: 17.2 - 44.9
- MCLG: No goal for the total
- MCL: 80
- Units: ppb
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: By-product of drinking water disinfection.
*the value in the Highest Level Detected is the highest average of all sample results collected at a location over a year.
Inorganic Contaminants
Collection Date: 2024
Arsenic
- Highest Level Detected: 0
- Range of Individual Samples: 0 - 0
- MCLG: 0
- MCL: 10
- Units: ppb
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes.
Barium
- Highest Level Detected: 0.0411
- Range of Individual Samples: 0.0410 - 0.411
- MCLG: 2
- MCL: 2
- Units: ppm
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits.
Fluoride
- Highest Level Detected: 0.42
- Range of Individual Samples: 0.17 - 0.42
- MCLG: 4
- MCL: 4
- Units: ppm
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories.
Nitrate [measured as nitrogen]
- Highest Level Detected: 1.24
- Range of Individual Samples: 0.15 - 1.24
- MCLG: 10
- MCL: 10
- Units: ppm
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits.
Radioactive Contaminants
Collection Date: 2023
Beta/Photon Emitters
- Highest Level Detected: 6.3
- Range of Individual Samples: 5.4 - 6.3
- MCLG: 0
- MCL: 50
- Units: pCi/L*
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Decay of natural and man-made deposits.
*EPA considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles.
Synthetic Organic Contaminants (including pesticides and herbicides)
Collection Date: 2024
Atrazine
- Highest Level Detected: 0
- Range of Individual Samples: 0 - 0
- MCLG: 3
- MCL: 3
- Units: ppb
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Runoff from herbicide used on row crops.
Disinfectant Residual
Collection Date: 2024
Monochloramine
- Average Level (AL): 2.61
- Range of Levels Detected: 0.57 - 3.97
- MRDL: 4
- MRDLG: 4
- Units: ppm
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Water additive used to control microbes.
Turbidity
- Average Level (AL): 2.61
- Range of Levels Detected: 0.57 - 3.97
- MRDL: 4
- MRDLG: 4
- Units: ppm
- Violation: No
- Likely Source of Contamination: Water additive used to control microbes.
Information Statement: Turbidity is a measurement of the cloudiness of the water caused by suspended particles. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of water quality and the effectiveness of our filtration system and disinfectants.
Total Organic Carbon
The percentage of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal was measured each month and the system met all TOC removal requirements set.
Coliform Bacteria
What is it?
Coliform bacteria are organisms present in the environment and feces of warm-blooded animals.
Where does it come from?
Surface runoff, failed septic tanks, flooding events.
What are the risks?
One variety, e. coli bacteria, can cause stomach and intestinal illness.
It’s relatively easy and inexpensive to test for coliform bacteria. Our team does 1000s of tests every year.
Inorganic Contaminants
What is it?
Inorganic contaminants consist of metals, nutrients and salts.
Where does it come from?
Can be present as a result of natural processes or manmade pollution.
What are the risks?
High levels of inorganic contaminants can cause taste, odor and health issues.
Water treatment removes and reduces the levels of inorganic contaminants.
Lead
What is it?
Lead is a naturally occurring metal.
Where does it come from?
Plumbing materials and fixtures.
What are the risks?
Exposure to lead can cause developmental delays in babies and young children.
The City of Waco has removed all known lead service lines from the system. There is a searchable online database of service line materials for Waco Water Customers
Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)
What is it?
DBPs are formed when chlorine and bromine interact with natural organic materials in water.
Where does it come from?
DBPs can be found in the air during showering and swimming or in chlorine-treated water.
What are the risks?
DBPs do not build up in the environment or the body. Health effects are unknown.
Disinfection by chloramine is one of the most important parts of water treatment. By controlling water age and turnover (i.e. keeping the water moving), the amount of DBPs in Waco Water is kept low.
What does PPM, PPB or PPT mean?
PPM (parts per million)
One part per million is about 1 cup of water in an average backyard swimming pool.
PPB (parts per billion)
One part per billion is about 1 drop of water in an average backyard swimming pool.
PPT (parts per trillion)
One part per trillion is about 1 drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Understanding PFAS and UCMR5
The EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR5) requires public water systems to test for emerging contaminants, including 29 types of PFAS—man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in products like food packaging, nonstick coatings, textiles, and firefighting foam. These substances are widespread in the environment and challenging to remove from water.
UCMR5 sampling at two Waco Water entry points over four quarters showed one PFAS — Perfluoro butanoic Acid (PFBA)—with an average concentration of 4.45 parts per trillion (ppt), ranging from 0.0 to 7.59 ppt. PFBA is not among the six PFAS recently addressed under EPA’s proposed drinking water regulations but is used in stain-resistant products and food packaging.
All other UCMR5 results for PFAS and lithium were below laboratory reporting limits.
For more information on household products, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800) 638-2772 or cpsc.gov.