Arlington Water Utilities has achieved a historic milestone, securing two highly coveted awards at the recent Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Public Drinking Water Conference in Austin. Standing out among 7,000 public water systems statewide, the department was honored with both the Water System Security Program Award and the Innovative or Proactive System Award. This statewide distinction underscores the ongoing commitment of local officials to protect, innovate, and enhance the municipal water supply for all residents.
Setting the Standard for Infrastructure Security
Arlington holds the exclusive honor of being the only water system in Texas to receive the Water System Security Program Award in 2026. This prestigious accolade requires municipalities to complete a rigorous series of steps to safeguard their water treatment and distribution networks against physical, environmental, and digital threats.
To achieve this, Arlington Water Utilities personnel completed advanced training in cybersecurity, homeland security, and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Furthermore, the city maintains an active membership in the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC)—a dedicated non-profit organization providing up-to-date threat intelligence and resilience initiatives for water professionals. The department also underwent a comprehensive Water Sector Cybersecurity Assessment, ensuring that both physical infrastructure and digital networks remain fully fortified against modern vulnerabilities.
Pioneering Innovation and Water Conservation
In addition to unparalleled security measures, Arlington was one of just six public water systems in the state to earn the Innovative or Proactive System Award this year. According to the TCEQ, this award honors systems utilizing creative and effective strategies to improve operations, achieve compliance, and enhance customer service.
Arlington’s successful application highlighted aggressive, modern initiatives to reduce water loss across its vast distribution system. By launching two pilot programs utilizing satellite leak detection technology and deploying a specially trained water leak detection dog named “Splash,” the city successfully dropped its water loss percentage from 12.75% in 2019 to an impressive 9.6% in 2025. These award-winning leak detection systems allow the city to identify and repair compromised pipes long before they result in catastrophic main breaks, actively saving taxpayers money and conserving thousands of gallons of water.
Engaging the Community
The state award also recognized Arlington’s proactive community outreach, specifically the creation of Arlington Water Utilities University. Launched in 2025, this five-week citizens’ academy provides residents with an inside look at how clean water reaches their homes and introduces them to the professionals behind the scenes. The highly successful program is set to welcome its fourth class in September 2026.
This year’s achievements mark the second consecutive year Arlington Water Utilities has dominated the TCEQ conference. In 2025, the department took home the Outstanding Public Drinking Water Award (one of only two in the state) and was the sole recipient of the Outstanding Cross Connection Program award.
Local Guidance for Water Conservation
While the city continues to modernize its overarching infrastructure and enhance cybersecurity, residents can also play an active role in water conservation and property safety. Arlington Network recommends the following local guidance for homeowners:
- Monitor Water Bills: Check your monthly statement for sudden spikes, which often indicate a hidden residential leak.
- Maintain Sprinkler Systems: Inspect irrigation systems routinely to ensure heads are not broken, misaligned, or spraying directly onto sidewalks and driveways.
- Utilize Smart Tech: Install smart leak detectors near water heaters and washing machines to prevent costly home floods and property damage.
- Report Anomalies: Report any standing water, unusual pooling in public streets, or suspected main breaks to municipal services immediately.
For more local updates, comprehensive community news, and infrastructure developments, visit www.arlingtonnetwork.com.
