PILLAR: Sustainable
AGENDA DATE: June 10, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Water Utilities Department
PRIORITY: Infrastructure
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize an application to the Texas Water Development Board for the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program to fund planning, design, and potentially construction of improvements identified in the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances assessment at Dallas Water Utilities Water Treatment Plants - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
*In alignment with Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Program.
Body
BACKGROUND
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 appropriated grant funds to reduce exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants through drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Emerging Contaminants for Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant has an appropriation of $1 billion annually for federal fiscal years (FY) 2022 through 2026, of which there is no cost-share or match required by state or local recipients. The EPA allotted approximately $169.8 million to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), funding TWDB’s EC-SDC Grant Program for addressing PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water across small or disadvantaged communities.
With additional funding available under the EC-SDC Program for Federal FY 2022-23, TWDB has invited the Dallas Water Utilities Department (DWU) to apply for grant funds under this program. DWU submitted a Project Information Form to the TWDB in April 2025 for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Emerging Contaminants Grant Program, and the submission was later added to the Intended Use Plan making it eligible to receive funding. Applications for this grant opportunity are due to TWDB on June 26, 2026. Entities must submit, with their financial assistance application, a resolution from their governing body requesting financial assistance.
DWU seeks to apply for EC-SDC grant funding for eligible planning, design, and potentially construction funding at the Bachman Water Treatment Plant (WTP) identified in the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances assessment at Dallas Water Utilities Water Treatment Plants. Planning and design funding for Bachman WTP was originally estimated at $33,000,000.00, with construction estimated at $300,000,000.00 in April 2025. These amounts will be updated when submitting the 2026 application. All project funding under the EC-SDC Program is 100 percent principal forgiveness for eligible project components directly relating to emerging contaminants.
DWU has completed the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) sampling effort, collecting water from all three water treatment plants: Eastside WTP, Bachman WTP and Elm Fork WTP. DWU began monitoring for PFAS under UCMR5 in March 2023 and has completed the UCMR5 monitoring requirement. The results indicate that the expected levels for PFAS in DWU’s drinking water will comply with the new regulatory limits at this time. However, sampling results revealed that concentrations at the Bachman WTP are close to the regulatory Maximum Contaminant Limit and were the highest concentrations amongst the three WTPs. These initial findings and the regulatory rule led to a recommendation for a more comprehensive PFAS assessment with a focus on the Bachman WTP. The Bachman WTP was constructed in the late 1920s and underwent expansion in 1936, 1948, 1970, and 2006. It is one of three water treatment facilities for supplying safe drinking water. It is DWU’s intent to proactively evaluate the potential presence of PFAS and develop appropriate treatment and compliance strategies to protect public health and ensure regulatory compliance.
Approval of this item will authorize staff to prepare and submit the EC-SDC application. If a funding commitment is received, a future council item will be brought forward to accept the grant and execute the grant agreement and all associated documents required for implementation.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.