Photo collage containing images of Austin Water employees, construction workers, and water infrastructure including pipes and treatment facilities.

Water Quality

A view of the Handcox Water Treatment Plant

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best utilities in the country for water quality and performance.

Austin Water delivers safe, high-quality drinking water at an exceptional value. Your water is tested multiple times a day as it moves through the treatment process. Each year, we complete EPA reporting requirements documenting our water quality from raw collection and storage all the way to the treated water at your tap.

Our dedication to water quality and environmental protection has earned recognition from leading water industry organizations across the country and around the world.

In 2026, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies awarded our Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant the Platinum Peak Performance Award, its highest tier of recognition, for a sixth consecutive year of full compliance with the plant's state wastewater discharge permit.
In 2025, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies recognized Austin Water with the Sustainable Water Utility Management Award for balancing environmental, social and economic sustainability across our operations.
In 2022, the Water Environment Association of Texas named our South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year.
In 2020, Austin Water earned the Utility of the Future Today recognition from the Water Environment Federation, Water Research Foundation, WateReuse and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies.

What's in my water?