Water FAQs: Rates, New Service, Disconnections, Taste, or Odor


What are the current water rates?

View the rates and fees document.


Who do I call for new service or termination of water and trash services?


Please contact Utility Billing at 214-975-0480.


I had a leak repaired. Does the Town offer any credits to the water bill for leaks?


Please contact Utility Billing at 214-975-0480 to find out if an adjustment is available, and/or what is needed to receive a credit.


Where is the water shut-off to my house?

It is usually located near your house in the front flower beds, but you may need to call a professional plumber out to your home to determine the exact location of the shut-off.


What do I do if I think the reading for my water meter is incorrect?


Contact Utility Billing at 214-975-0480 to have someone come out to test the meter.


Who do I call if I am experiencing low or high water pressure issues in my home?


Contact Public Works at 972-377-5556 to have someone come out to test the meter. You may also put in an online request at our Citizens Request Center here.


Where does Little Elm get its water?


The Town of Little Elm's purchases water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD).


Why does my water have an earthy taste and odor during the summer months? Is the water safe to drink?


Each summer, throughout July and August, lakes and other surface water supplies experience a natural event – an "algal bloom." Algal blooms are common to surface water supplies in warm weather climate states like Texas. 


The NTMWD utilizes several steps to control the taste and odor produced by the algal blooms. Laboratory personnel, through daily analysis, perform algal counts and can determine the onset of an algal bloom. With the onset of an algal bloom, additional chemicals are added to the treatment process. Potassium permanganate is added as an oxidizing agent in reducing the odor levels. To reduce the unpleasant taste, activated carbon is used as an absorption media. Each of these chemicals is removed during the treatment process before delivery of the potable water supply. Chlorine, which is used as the disinfectant in the treatment process, also aids in odor reduction. 


Yes, the water is safe to drink. The taste and odor is a palatability issue. No health hazards are created regardless of the taste and odor. 


Why is chlorine added to the water?


Chlorine is added to the water as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. It is the most common method of disinfecting drinking water.


The NTMWD uses chloramines for water disinfection, leaving a chloramine residual behind for secondary disinfection of water in the distribution system. Chloramines are formed by combining chlorine and ammonia before injection to the water.


How many times a week am I allowed to water my lawn?

Please see the current Water Conservation Map or Watering Guidelines page for more details.


It's cold outside, what should I do to protect my home and pets from winter freezing? 


The Red Cross Winter Preparedness site also has some incredibly helpful information for winter weather conditions as well as many other weather-related topics.

Taste and Odor Issues

Water Sources

The Town of Little Elm purchases water from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), which supplies us with water drawn from area lakes. The NTMWD utilizes Lavon Lake for its primary raw water source with additional raw water coming from Lake Texoma and Lake Chapman. 

The annual chlorine maintenance February 26, 2018, at 8 a.m. at the Wylie, Tawakoni, and Bonham water treatment plants and will continue for the next 28 days.

Residents may experience a stronger odor or taste of chlorine to the water supply; however, the water remains safe for use and consumption. 

Visit the NTMWD website here. 

Algal Blooms

As with all surface water systems, algal blooms are possible during the summer and winter months. Algal blooms may cause taste and odor issues for some residents who are more sensitive to these changes. The taste and odor is a palatability issue, not a safety issue. The palatability change that results from a naturally occurring algal bloom does not alter the quality of the water provided to the cities and the communities served by the NTMWD. The water supply remains safe for use with no health risks created by these events.

Below are links to fact sheets about what algal blooms are and the steps the NTMWD is taking to minimize taste and odor issues caused by algal blooms: 

  • Ozonation – Includes brief information about ozonation benefits and the NTMWD ozonation implementation plan at the Wylie Water Treatment Plants.
  • Summer Algal Blooms (specific) – A general fact sheet about summer algal blooms.
  • Taste and Odor (general) - Includes a general fact sheet about taste and odor, a summer bloom information page, and a winter bloom information page.
  • Winter Algal Blooms (specific) - A general fact sheet about winter algal blooms.