Bolivar Peninsula SUD

All water sources (tap and bottled) come from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Even bottled water typically contains some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Common source water contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage plants, septic systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources, urban runoff, wastewater discharge, oil/gas production, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production

The EPA sets regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations establish similar protections for bottled water. Some people may be particularly vulnerable to certain contaminants, including the immunocompromised, elderly, infants, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, those on steroid treatment, and people with HIV/AIDS.

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily comes from service lines and home plumbing materials. While we provide quality water, we cannot control plumbing component materials. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking if it has been sitting for several hours. If concerned, consider having your water tested. Information on lead testing is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

According to our water loss audit submitted to the Texas Water Development Board for January 1 - December 31, 2017, our system's normalized real loss calculation is 748 gallons per mile per day. For questions about the water loss audit, please call 409-684-3515.

1. What testing is required for public water systems?
2. How often is municipal water quality monitored?
3. What can residents do if they're concerned about their water quality?
4. How does water hardness affect household appliances and plumbing?
5. Are there health concerns associated with the contaminants in Bolivar Peninsula's water?