Trinity River Authority, TX

TRA owns and operates six water treatment and distribution facilities that help bring clean drinking water to residents throughout the Trinity River basin. We recognize the vital role clean water plays in the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and we maintain the highest treatment standards using the latest available technology to deliver clear, clean water that meets or exceeds regulatory standards.  Click on the project links to the right to learn more.

Drinking Water Quality

On April 8, 2024, the EPA Administrator signed the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation rule for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The rule will go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The timeline for this publication has not yet been established. This new rule will require drinking water providers to conduct sample monitoring, reporting, and treatment for six PFAS compounds.

What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that first appeared as non-stick coatings in the 1940s. PFAS do not occur naturally. Through the years, these chemicals have been used in firefighting foams, stain- or water-resistant products, clothing, and protective coatings.

What Is the Trinity River Authority Doing to Mitigate PFAS?
The Trinity River Authority of Texas is taking a proactive approach to meeting the EPA requirements, which includes developing a timeline to complete initial sampling and testing by 2027. In addition, TRA will be required to be in compliance with the listed PFAS limits in the rule by 2029. To accomplish this, TRA has invested in laboratory equipment to test for PFAS compounds, and TRA will begin pilot programs to test several treatment technologies to treat PFAS in drinking water.

TRA will be working with all of its water system customers to commit funding to construct advanced facilities that will achieve compliance with the applicable EPA requirements to treat for PFAS in drinking water. TRA’s Tarrant County Water Supply Project located in Euless, Texas, and the Livingston Regional Water Supply System located in Livingston, Texas, are currently under review by TRA staff in order to develop the most effective way to comply with the new EPA regulations. Cost estimates and the selected technologies are not available at this time.

How Are People Exposed to PFAS?
We swallow, inhale, or rub PFAS into our skin by using certain products, eating or drinking impacted food and water, and breathing in the dust in our homes.

Because PFAS are used in so many everyday products, most people in the United States and other industrialized countries have PFAS in their blood. The EPA says most of our exposure comes from consumer goods and not drinking water.

PFAS Information Resources
PFAS Drinking Water Regulation Fact Sheet
PFAS – Frequently Asked Questions
PFAS Fact Sheet – National Institute of Environmental Sciences
PFAS – EPA