Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The City of Melissa’s drinking water meets or exceeds all standards set by the TCEQ and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Our system holds a Superior rating from TCEQ, the highest possible for a public water system.

The City of Melissa purchases treated surface water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). NTMWD’s regional reservoir system includes Lavon Lake, Bois d’Arc Lake, Lake Texoma, Jim Chapman Lake, Lake Tawakoni, and the East Fork Water Reuse Project.
NTMWD owns and operates multiple water treatment plants; Melissa receives treated drinking water from the Wylie and Leonard plants. The City also operates the Country Ridge Water Well, which draws groundwater from the Woodbine Aquifer. To contact NTMWD, call 972-442-5405.

The EPA sets national drinking-water standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The TCEQ enforces those standards in Texas and monitors the City’s compliance. Melissa’s Public Works team conducts regular testing to ensure our system remains within state and federal limits.

Water is tested daily by NTMWD during treatment and routinely within Melissa’s distribution system. Samples are analyzed for bacteria, metals, disinfectant levels, and by-products. Results are compiled each year in the Consumer Confidence Report.

These standards are based on decades of health research and are designed to protect residents over a lifetime of exposure. By following them, Melissa ensures consistent, science-based protection for all customers.

All drinking water contains trace elements of naturally occurring substances. Melissa’s 2024 results show all regulated substances were well below limits:

Arsenic: 0 ppb (limit 10 ppb)
Nitrate: 0.67 ppm (limit 10 ppm)
Disinfection By-products (TTHM): 24.8 ppb (limit 80 ppb)

All results remain safe within EPA and TCEQ standards.

What do “ppb” and “ppm” mean?
 These terms describe how much of a substance is present in water:

• Ppb (parts per billion) is like one drop of water in a full swimming pool.
• Ppm (parts per million) is about one drop in a large bathtub.
   These are extremely small measurements, and Melissa’s results are well below the levels where health effects could occur.

These are substances that don’t yet have federal limits. Melissa and NTMWD test for them to support scientific research. None of the detected levels in 2024 were found to pose health concerns.

EPA and TCEQ limits are set so that even lifelong exposure to water at those levels is not expected to increase cancer risk. Melissa’s results are significantly below those limits.

Seasonal changes such as algae growth in lakes can cause temporary taste or odor variations. NTMWD uses chloramines for disinfection. During its annual maintenance period each spring, you may notice a short-term change that does not affect safety or quality.

• Routine sampling and hydrant flushing
• Maintenance of valves and mains
• Infrastructure upgrades
• Coordination with NTMWD and TCEQ for continuous oversight

No. Lead is not present in the City’s source water or public system. Older homes may have lead plumbing components. Consider testing your home’s water through a certified lab or using a lead-certified filter if concerned.

• Use plumbing materials approved for drinking water.
• Flush taps for 30 seconds after periods of non-use.
• Clean faucet aerators regularly.
• Replace filters as directed by the manufacturer.

Contact the City immediately at 972-838-2035 or ub@cityofmelissa.com. Our staff will investigate and assist you promptly.

• Review the Consumer Confidence Report.
• Sign up for alerts via TextMyGov and CodeRED. 
• Follow official City updates at cityofmelissa.com and on City social media channels.

City of Melissa – Public Works Department
 972-837-4222
publicworks@cityofmelissa.com
 1606 Cooper Street, Melissa, TX 75454

North Texas Municipal Water District
 972-442-5405
ntmwd.com