Drinking Water

Our Drinking Water

The City of Garland purchases treated water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD).  It is the responsibility of this division to manage and operate the distribution system that brings water to the residents and businesses of Garland.

Garland is one of the original Member Cities that formed the water district in 1951. The NTMWD draws raw water from Lavon Lake, Lake Chapman (aka Cooper Lake), Lake Tawakoni, Lake Texoma and a constructed wetlands project, John T Bunker Sands Wetlands, located near Kaufman. It is then treated at their plant in Wylie, Texas and sent through delivery pipelines to various cities, towns and other water suppliers.

Garland receives the treated water from NTMWD at five entry points throughout the city. The water is stored in ground storage tanks as well as four elevated tanks and distributed to Garland water users on demand. Occasionally during the hot summer months, the Garland Water Utilities will add small amounts of chlorine to maintain proper chlorine levels in the distribution system. Another process for keeping chlorine residuals at the proper range is to flush water out through fire hydrants. Chlorine keeps our water fresh and free of any harmful bacteria.

Staff Efforts

Your City of Garland Water Utilities staff remains diligent in bringing safe, reliable water to all of our water customers. The department is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by highly trained and licensed water professionals. Constant maintenance, monitoring, sampling and laboratory testing keeps our licensed water professionals continuously apprised of our water quality and water system's operating status.

TEMPORARY CHANGE IN DISINFECTION FOR DRINKING WATER 

Every year in the month of March, our water supplier the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), makes a temporary change in the way they disinfect our drinking water. This prepares their system for the heat and high demand of the spring and summer months. It is a common practice in water systems throughout the nation. The change in disinfection processes lasts approximately 30 days. During this time, Garland Water Utilities staff flushes water through our fire hydrants to move the water quickly through our system and to help offset any changes to taste and odor.

During this time, customers may notice a stronger taste and smell of chlorine. It is important to note that the quality of our drinking water remains safe for all uses, including drinking. To learn more about this annual process, visit the NTMWD website.

Routine Hydrant Flushing

The City of Garland Water Department conducts routine fire hydrant flushing to maintain the integrity of the water distribution system. 

Garland has more than 8,000 fire hydrants, 1100 miles of distribution pipeline and over 67,000 water meters.  The distribution system is continually monitored for leaks, water quality and necessary repairs.   

While flushing may appear to be a waste of water, it is a necessary step for maintaining water delivery systems throughout the nation. 

Hydrant flushing is important for:

  • determining any malfunctions of the hydrant and valves
  • ensuring chlorine residuals remain at constant optimal levels to prevent bacteria growth.
  • checking pressure for adequate fire flows at the hydrant
  • identifying inadequate water volumes and pressures
  • removing any sediments from the lines

For additional information about water quality, please call the Water Department at 972-205-3210.