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Is Round Rock Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:49 pm, August 2, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Round Rock?

Yes, Round Rock's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Round Rock has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Round Rock's water utility, City of Round Rock, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Round Rock was resolved on Sept. 30, 2011. This assessment is based on the City of Round Rock water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Round Rock Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Round Rock tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Round Rock's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Round Rock Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Round Rock for Round Rock in Texas. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

From July 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2011, Round Rock had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Regular which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Inorganic Chemicals rule code family for the following contaminant code: Nitrate.

Is there Lead in Round Rock Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Round Rock water system, City of Round Rock, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.002 mg/L of lead in Round Rock water. This is 13.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Round Rock contained more lead.

While Round Rock water testing may have found 0.002 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Round Rock Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Bergstrom Air Force Base - near Round Rock with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Round Rock has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Round Rock SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
07/01/2011 - 09/30/2011 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Regular (03) Nitrates (331) Nitrate (1040) Chemicals (300) Inorganic Chemicals (330)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
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Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
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Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
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Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
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Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Round Rock Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT ROUND ROCK CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Round Rock water provider, City of Round Rock, please use the information below.
By Mail: 221 E MAIN ST
ROUND ROCK, TX, 78664-5271
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CITY OF ROUND ROCK
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their City of Round Rock account to pay their Round Rock water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your City of Round Rock bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Round Rock water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Round Rock water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP ROUND ROCK WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Round Rock means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Round Rock. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Round Rock means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Round Rock. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

Is Round Rock Tap Water Safe to Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$1.19 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Round Rock tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 1% Very Low
  • Water Pollution 1% Very Low
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 99% Very High
  • Water Quality 99% Very High

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Round Rock, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Round Rock Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Round Rock's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

2019 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

(Consumer Confidence Report)

Este reporte incluye información importante sobre el agua para tomar.

Para asistencia en español, favor de llamar al teléfono 512-218-5555.

The City of Round Rock’s water system is rated "superior" by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) – TCEQ's highest rating – and meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards.

Regardless of the challenges presented by the year 2020, the City maintained essential services, and employees of the Utilities and Environmental Services Department remained committed to ensuring that customers had reliable access to safe drinking water.

The Purpose of this Report

This Consumer Confidence Report provides information about our water system, including source water, levels of detected contaminants, compliance with drinking water rules, and water quality data from the most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required tests.

Where Your Water Comes From

Round Rock's water supply comes from surface water and groundwater sources. Surface water is primarily supplied by Lake Georgetown, and groundwater is served by the Edwards Aquifer.

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.

Water can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water before treatment may include microbes, inorganic contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, radioactive contaminants, and organic chemical contaminants.

To ensure tap water is safe, EPA regulations limit the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Likewise, the Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Secondary Constituents

Secondary constituents, such as calcium, sodium, or iron, often found in drinking water, can cause taste, color, or odor problems. The State of Texas regulates these taste and odor constituents. These constituents are not causes for health concerns. Secondary constituents are not required to be reported but may affect the appearance or taste of your water.

Vulnerability to Drinking Water Contaminants

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; 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 means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water Quality

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 may be obtained by calling the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800-426-4791).

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 the taste, odor, or color of drinking water, please contact the City at 512-341-3134.

City of Round Rock

Website: roundrocktexas.gov/utilities Facebook: facebook.com/roundrock Utilities Division: 512-218-5555

Water Quality Questions: 512-341-3134

Billing Questions: 512-218-5460

EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline

800-426-4791 or visit

http://water.epa.gov/drink/hotline/index.cfm

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Source Water Assessment

TCEQ completed an assessment of Round Rock's source water, and results indicate that some of our sources are susceptible to certain contaminants. The sampling requirements for our water system are based on this susceptibility and previous sample data. Any detection of these contaminants will be found in this Consumer Confidence Report. For more information on source water assessments and protection efforts at our system, please contact the City at 512-341-3134. Source water assessment information is available on Texas Drinking Water Watch at https://dww2.tceq.texas.gov/DWW/.

Water Loss

In the water loss audit submitted to the Texas Water Development Board for the time period of January - December 2020, our system lost an estimated 7.74% of total water produced. If you have questions about the water loss audit, please call 512-341-3134.

Water Hardness

Many consumers believe that their water must be softened to prevent damage to plumbing and fixtures. This is untrue. The average water hardness in Round Rock is 239 mg/L or approximately 13.95 grains per gallon. While this level of hardness may cause minor, aesthetic problems such as water spots and dry skin, it does not cause damage to plumbing.

The City routinely performs laboratory tests to measure the stability of the drinking water. Stability refers to whether the water is aggressive or depositional. Test results indicate that Round Rock's drinking water, as delivered to your home, is stable.

Your Participation is Welcome

The Round Rock City Council meets on the second and fourth Thursday at 6 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 221 E. Main St. Council meetings are open to the public with opportunities for residents to comment on any city- related issue. Visit roundrocktexas.gov/council for details.

Watershed Protection

Stormwater runoff is rain that did not absorb into the ground. Instead, it runs over driveways, parking lots, and streets picking up litter, pet waste, and other harmful pollutants as it flows into the storm drain. Once this polluted stormwater enters the storm sewer system, it flows downstream to the nearest creek, lake, or river. No filtration. No treatment.

With your help, we can keep Round Rock's creeks clean!

  • Keep storm drains free of yard waste and debris
  • Pick up after your pets
  • Dispose of paint, fertilizers, and hazardous waste at an HHW collection roundrocktexas.gov/hhw
  • Never sweep or dump anything down storm drains Learn more at roundrocktexas.gov/stormwater

"Grease and Wipes Clog Pipes”

Grease and wipes cause major problems in the wastewater (sewer) system, clog sewer pipes in homes, and cause sewer backups and overflows.

Grease may go in as a liquid, but it cools and hardens into a pipe-clogging wax in your home plumbing. Wipes, even those labeled flushable, should never be flushed. They do not disintegrate like toilet paper. Instead, they accumulate and block pipes and pumps.

Protect your home and the quality of our water. Only flush toilet paper and put grease and wipes in the trash. roundrocktexas.gov/wastewaterathome

Summer Watering 2021

Water conservation protects the integrity of Round Rock’s water supply facilities and prolongs the life of existing water sources. The City’s conservation efforts continue to grow through rebates on water efficient products and services, discounted rain barrel sales twice per year, free irrigation evaluations and several educational programs to help residents use water more efficiently.

Most water usage in Round Rock happens during the summer months for outdoor uses. The easiest way to reduce your water consumption is to water your yard only when needed and fix any water leaks. You can also replace your traditional irrigation controller with a weather-based controller that changes the watering schedule based on weather data, and install a water flow sensor on your property to alert you of continuous water flow.

The City implemented a new watering schedule in January 2021, spreading watering days out over seven days rather than six to better balance water usage throughout the week. The best time to water is before noon or after 7 p.m. The watering schedule is voluntary unless drought restrictions are in place; however, the City recommends you follow the schedule even when no drought restrictions are in effect.

The City’s website provides information and resources to encourage smart watering at home. Residents can request free leak detection kits, save money on water efficient appliances and fixtures and find new tools and information at roundrocktexas.gov/conservation.

You can see your daily and hourly water use online at our customer water portal RRTXwater.com.

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2020 Drinking Water Quality Results

The following table lists the regulated and monitored chemical constituents found in our drinking water. The EPA requires water systems to test for up to 97 federally regulated primary constituents.

Inorganic Constituents

Year

Constituent

High

Low

Average

MCL

MCLG

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

2020

Barium

0.0439

0.0439

0.0439

2

2

ppm

N

Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries;

Erosion of natural deposit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

Cyanide

90

50

70

200

200

ppb

N

Discharge from plastic, fertilizer and steel/metal factories

2020

Fluoride

0.2

0.2

0.2

4

4

ppm

N

Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes

strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

Nitrate

1.47

0.09

0.587

10

10

ppm

N

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks,

(measured as Nitrogen)

sewage; Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should seek advice from your health care provider.

Radioactive Constituents

Year

Constituent

High

Low

Average

MCL

MCLG

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

2017

Combined Radium

1

1

1

5

0

pCi/L

N

Erosion of natural deposits

Lead and Copper in Distribution System

Date

Constituent

90th

Sites Exceeding

Action

MCLG

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

Percentile

Action Level

Level

 

 

 

 

 

Corrosion of household plumbing

7/2020

Lead

3.4

2 of 100

15

0

ppb

N

systems; Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7/2020

Copper

0.25

0 of 100

1.3

1.3

ppm

N

Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood

preservatives; Corrosion of household plumbing systems

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Disinfectant Residual

Year

Constituent

High

Low

Average

MRDL

MCLG

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

2020

Chloramine

3.65

1.50

2.95

4

4

ppm

N

Water additive used to control microbes

Disinfectant By-Products

Year

Constituent

High

Low

Max LRAA

MCL

MCLG

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

2020

Total Trihalomethanes

53

8.2

52.45

80

NA

ppb

N

By-product of drinking water disinfection

2020

Haloacetic Acids

17

1.30

13.45

60

NA

ppb

N

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

Year

Constituent

High

Low

Average

MCL

MCLG

Units

Likely Source of Contamination

2020

TOC (Raw Water)

3.23

2.60

2.87

TT

NA

ppm

Naturally occurring organic material. There is no health

2020

TOC (Treated Water)

2.89

2.23

2.51

TT

NA

ppm

effect directly associated with TOC. Removal through

treatment averaged 12.60%.

Turbidity

Year

Constituent

High

Low

Average

MCL

MCLG

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

2020

Turbidity

0.11

0.03

0.056

0.3

NA

NTU

N

Soil runoff

Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

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Unregulated Contaminants

Year

Constituent

High

Low

Average

MCL

MCLG

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

2020

Dibromochloromethane

24.6

1.3

18.66

None Established

ppb

N

Unregulated contaminants are those for which

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

Chloroform

9.1

<1

5.44

None Established

ppb

N

EPA has not established drinking water

standards. The purpose of unregulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

Bromoform

10

<1

6.15

None Established

ppb

N

contaminant monitoring is to assist EPA in

determining their occurrence in drinking water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

Bromodichloromethane

17.9

<1

13.07

None Established

ppb

N

and if future regulation is warranted.

 

Coliform Bacteria

Year Constituent Highest % of

Positive Samples

2020

Total Coliform

2.7%

2020

Fecal Coliform

0

MCL

5% of monthly samples are positive

Routine or repeat sample is coliform positive, and one is also fecal positive

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

Presence

N

Naturally present in the environment

Presence

N

Naturally present in the environment

Total coliform bacteria are used as indicators of microbial contamination of drinking water because testing for them is easy. While not disease-causing organisms themselves, they are often found in association with other microbes that are capable of causing disease. Coliform bacteria are hardier than many disease-causing organisms; therefore, their absence from water is a good indication that the water is microbiologically safe for human consumption.

Fecal coliform bacteria and, in particular, E. coli, are members of the coliform bacteria group originating in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals and are passed into the environment through feces. The presence of fecal coliform bacteria (E. coli) in drinking water may indicate recent contamination of the drinking water with fecal material.

Secondary and Other Constituents Not Regulated

Year

Constituent

High

Low

Average

Secondary Limit

Units

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

2020

Aluminum

0.198

0.198

0.198

0.05-0.2

ppm

N

Naturally occurring element

2020

Calcium

49.3

49.3

49.3

NA

ppm

N

Naturally occurring element

2020

Chloride

49.7

22.5

35.41

300

ppm

N

Naturally occurring element

2020

pH

7.93

6.99

7.65

> 7.0

units

N

Measure of corrosivity of water

2020

Sodium

26.6

13.7

20.63

NA

ppm

N

Naturally occurring element

2020

Sulfate

43

24.3

33.28

300

ppm

N

Naturally occurring material

2020

Hardness

340

160

239

NA

ppm

N

Naturally occurring calcium and magnesium

2020

Total Alkalinity

186

130

161

NA

ppm

N

Naturally soluble mineral salts

2020

Total Dissolved Solids

309

257

285.7

1000

ppm

N

Total dissolved mineral constituents in water

Definitions

Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

Level 1 Assessment – A study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria were found.

Level 2 Assessment – A very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an Escherichia coli (E. coli) MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria were found on multiple occasions.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) – The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected health risk. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) – The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) – The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Abbreviations

LRAA locational running annual average MPN most probable number per 100 milliliters NA not applicable

NTU nephelometric turbidity units (a measure of turbidity) pCi/L picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity) ppb parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (ug/L) ppm parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/L)

ppq parts per quadrillion, or picograms per liter (pg/L) ppt parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter (ng/L)

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Contaminants


City of Round Rock

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 107158
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 26

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Bromoform
  • Chloroform
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Aluminum
  • Atrazine
  • Barium
  • Bromochloroacetic acid
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Cyanide
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Hexadecanoic acid
  • Manganese
  • Molybdenum
  • Monobromoacetic acid
  • Monochloroacetic acid
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

Is tap water safe to drink in Round Rock?

Yes, Round Rock’s tap water is generally considered safe to drink as it met the EPA’s water quality mandates in its 2020 Water Quality Report. From April 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021 Round Rock’s City of Round Rock has had no Safe Drinking Water Act Violation. One should not get sick from drinking Round Rock tap water. 

Though Round Rock’s tap water is generally safe to drink, one should consider the possible safety impacts of low levels of regulated contaminants, unregulated contaminants, and water quality issues caused by severe weather.

While Round Rock’s tap water is generally safe to drink, long-term residents may consider using water filters for their everyday drinking, as the EPA is still assessing the health impacts of long-term exposure to certain contaminants that they do not yet have regulations for, and long term exposure to certain contaminants which are already regulated, but below the currently acceptable levels. 

Where Does Round Rock Tap Water Come From?

According to Round Rock’s 2020 Water Quality Report, City of Round Rock obtains water for its customers from several sources:

Lake Georgetown

Round Rock’s water supply comes from surface water and groundwater sources. Surface water is primarily supplied by Lake Georgetown, and groundwater is served by the Edwards Aquifer. 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. Water can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water before treatment may include: microbes, inorganic contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, radioactive contaminants, and organic chemical contaminants.

Main Contaminants Found in Round Rock Tap Water

As we mentioned above, Round Rock tap water meets the requirements set by the EPA. For more precise information please see their 2020 Water Quality Report. Though Round Rock drinking water meets EPA standards that does not mean it is contaminant free as there are levels that the EPA considers acceptable. Though the EPA regulated contaminants must meet a certain threshold for the city’s water to be deemed acceptable, many are still present in the drinking water at some level. The EPA continues to evaluate the long term impacts of these chemicals as more research is available. For example, the rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

Additionally, there are a number of “emerging” contaminants that the EPA has not determined acceptable levels for and is currently researching. For example, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are also called ‘forever chemicals’ since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time. We do not yet fully understand the dangers of PFAS as they are currently being investigated. We do not have any information on PFAS in Round Rock’s drink water, so there may be a risk of contamination.

Lead piping is another potential source of contamination for many homes, both through service lines and in your home. The National Resource Defense Council has a great walk-through on how to determine if you may have lead service lines.

So while Round Rock’s tap water does meet the requirements set by the EPA, it still makes sense to try to purify the tap water further to reduce contaminants to lower levels.

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