Lantana residents don’t just have reliable drinking water — we have some of the best-tasting water in Texas.
That’s according to Lantana General Manager Kevin Mercer, who says our community’s water has earned top honors thanks to an advanced treatment process used by the Upper Trinity Regional Water District.
“Our water has won best-tasting for at least five years in a blind taste test,” Mercer said. “That water is first filtered through sand filters, then it’s treated by flowing through granular activated charcoal and finishes by being ozonated.”
When it comes to water, Mercer is in deep.
He has managed Denton County Fresh Water Supply Districts #6 and #7, which serve Lantana, since 2000 — before the community’s first home was built — and has served on the Upper Trinity Regional Water District board since 2002.
Through those roles, Mercer has helped shape water policy both locally and across North Texas.
Lantana’s water supply comes from three North Texas reservoirs — Lewisville Lake, Jim Chapman Lake and Lake Ray Roberts.
Mercer has also played a part in one of the region’s largest long-term water projects: Lake Ralph Hall in Fannin County.
The new reservoir, located about 100 miles northeast of Lantana near Ladonia, will cover roughly 7,568 acres, or just under 12 square miles. Mercer said obtaining permits took approximately 20 years, while construction required another five.
How quickly the lake fills will depend on rainfall, though Mercer estimates it could take three to five years.
“Hopefully we will start to receive some rain and start capturing more water in the lake,” he said.
Mercer also noted that Upper Trinity stopped adding fluoride to its drinking water about 20 years ago.
“Fluoride does occur naturally through runoff and nature, but there’s just a small amount,” he said.
As North Texas endures another hot, dry summer, Mercer encourages residents to conserve water whenever possible.
Upper Trinity updates its drought contingency plan at least every five years. Under current restrictions, landscape watering is limited to no more than twice a week.
Residents can also request a free irrigation checkup through the Upper Trinity Regional Water District. During the visit, an irrigation specialist will inspect sprinkler systems for leaks, broken heads and other issues that waste water.
“They’re not there to sell anything,” Mercer said. “They’ll simply provide a list of deficiencies that homeowners can address to help conserve water.”
For more information about water quality, conservation and irrigation evaluations, visit utrwd.com.
Ladies League to Kick Off New Year
The Lantana Ladies League hosted its 2026 Annual Kick-Off Meeting Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Lantana Golf Club. The organization, which has more than 200 members, welcomes women from Lantana and neighboring communities who are interested in volunteerism, fundraising and community outreach. The event offered returning and prospective members an opportunity to learn about the group’s activities and membership. For more information, visit lantanaladiesleague.com.
