What is the quality of our reservoirs?
Since the late 1980s, TRWD has been collecting water quality data from each reservoir, the major tributaries to each reservoir and some wastewater plants near the reservoir. Samples are typically taken quarterly, and the data is used to monitor the health of the water on a short-term and long-term scale. The reservoirs were built for water supply, and for that purpose, the water quality is in great shape. This chart shows the parameters that are monitored. Read the most recent water quality executive summary.
Is the water safe to swim in?
There is an inherent danger when swimming in a natural lake because of naturally occurring bacteria. TRWD routinely samples the reservoirs and Trinity River for E. coli bacteria. This data is used to assess the waters based on the standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and approved by the US EPA. Our reservoirs have shown great compliance under the standard for contact recreation, but we know at times of flooding when the water is turbid from runoff, the potential for elevated bacteria is a concern. The Trinity River is much more susceptible to a change in water quality from a small rain than reservoirs. Users should exercise caution on the river after a local rain.
What causes tastes and/or odor changes in my drinking water?
TRWD does not treat water for drinking. The district delivers raw water to its customers’ water treatment plants and storage lakes in Tarrant County where the cities then treat the water and supply more than 2 million residents. Geosmin, an organic compound commonly found in Texas lakes during the winter months, causes the taste and odor changes. Geosmin is not harmful to your health but does have a distinct earthy flavor and aroma. Customer cities are aware of the change and treat for geosmin; however, there are times when they cannot fully remove it. The district also performs regular water quality monitoring and posts these reports monthly.
Are the fish safe to eat from the lakes and Trinity River?
There are no fish consumption advisories for any of the TRWD reservoirs. Lake Worth, which is managed by the City of Fort Worth, has an advisory posted for channel and blue catfish and smallmouth buffalo that extends up to the segment of the Trinity River between Lake Worth and Eagle Mountain Lake (ADV-45). The Clear Fork of the Trinity River below Lake Benbrook and West Fork of the Trinity below Lake Worth continuing downstream south of Dallas do have advisories posted warning of no consumption of any species of fish (ADV-43). Please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services for maps and the latest posting of fish consumption advisories.
What is PAM, the amoeba that can kill young swimmers?
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and usually deadly disease caused by an amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. This microscopic animal is found worldwide and is rather common, but the infection is rare. The infection occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose. This occurs when an individual is swimming or diving. The amoeba then travels to the brain and destroys the organ. Although the risk of contracting this disease is rare, some prevention is worth practicing when swimming in any natural body of water, including TRWD lakes and the Trinity River.
- Avoid swimming in coves that are isolated from the main body of the reservoir
- Avoid swimming when the water is really warm
- Hold your nose or wear nose plugs when diving or jumping into the water
- Avoid digging or stirring up sediment when swimming in shallow water areas
TRWD tests all the reservoirs and the river regularly for a bacteria, E. coli, that is an indicator of polluted water. While this test is not for Naegleria fowleri specifically, TRWD does not feel contact recreation is a significant problem. To whatever small degree, the risk of infection does exist and individuals wishing to use the reservoirs or the river should consider all risks involved. Click here to learn more from the CDC.
