How is the water quality at Bachman Lake?
- Friends of Bachman Lake
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
We recently read an opinion piece in the Dallas Morning News, specifically calling out Bachman Lake and expressing concerns about bacteria and other pollutants. In this piece, Dallas rower Jordan Stock asks for stronger regulatory controls that would help make all waterways in Texas safer and even swimmable.
We asked Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) for their perspective. DWU maintains the Bachman Lake Dam (currently being reconstructed) and also regularly tests the water at Bachman and White Rock lakes. Note that they state that neither lake is safe for swimming. Here is their response.
Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) monitors lakes and streams across the city through several water quality programs, with a focus on stormwater runoff. These efforts help protect Texas waterways and reduce the city’s impact on rivers and lakes.
Bioassessment Sampling Program – Conducts monitoring within 72 hours after rainfall, using aquatic organisms to assess stream health and detect pollution or habitat degradation
Regional Wet Weather Sampling Program – Evaluates stormwater runoff entering Dallas and its waterways during rain events
Local Wet Weather Sampling Program – Monitors runoff leaving Dallas watersheds and entering neighboring cities
Together, these programs identify areas contributing to pollution during rain events, guiding staff toward targeted investigations.
DWU also tracks E. coli trends at key sites, including White Rock Lake and Bachman Lake, and applies bacterial source tracking (BST/DNA) to pinpoint whether contamination comes from humans, pets, livestock or wildlife. This allows for tailored solutions, such as sewer repairs, community outreach or ecological controls, depending on the source. Our most recent historical data shows that both lakes contain levels of E. coli consistently well below TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) recreational waters standards for fishing and boating.
DWU remains committed to clean and healthy waterways by expanding BST and DNA testing at priority locations, including Bachman Lake, Joe’s Creek, White Rock Lake and the Great Trinity Forest. Swimming is not permitted at Bachman Lake or White Rock Lake.
As DWU monitors and investigates water quality, a partnership among multiple city departments acts to prevent pollution to city waterways. Multiple departments including DWU, Code Compliance, Park and Recreation, Transportation and Public Works partner to lead litter removal efforts inside creeks and channels, as well as large scale cleanups within public and private properties that are outside of routine maintenance.
The city does the following, among other things:
Cleans the storm drain system, both built and natural conveyances
Inspects stormwater outfalls during dry times, looking for illicit discharges
Hosts regular public solid waste collection events where residents can drop off things like batteries, used oil and paint
Operates its service centers in accordance with pollution prevention best practices
Inspects regulated business and construction sites for compliance with state and local law
Public outreach about non-point source pollution (litter)
Maintains and updates city code requiring pollution prevention activities for both private and public operations
When needed, enforces state and local pollution prevention laws
Additionally, the city has undertaken several efforts to increase public awareness about the importance of keeping our open spaces and waterways litter free. Public outreach campaigns include Every Litter Bit Counts, Clean Sweep!, Reverse Litter, storm drain markings and direct outreach at community events and in schools.
It is important that the community, in partnership with the city, work together to keep our city and waterways clean. It is also important to remember that illegal dumping and littering can result in debris that ends up in storm drains, creeks or waterways. Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping and littering by calling 3-1-1.
