City of Belton

The City of Belton proudly presents the 2017 Annual Water Quality Report as mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act. This comprehensive document provides information about the origin of Belton's water, its contents, and how it compares to standards established by regulatory agencies.

Este reporte incluye información importante sobre el agua para tomar. Para asistencia en español, favor de llamar al teléfono (254) 933-5823.

Understanding Belton's Municipal Water
This report summarizes last year's water quality based on the most recent EPA-required testing. It aims to provide Belton residents with essential information about their municipal water supply and the efforts made to ensure its safety.

Water Source Information
The City of Belton purchases and distributes treated surface water for its municipal supply. Most water is acquired from Bell County Water Control and Improvement District #1 (BCWCID #1), which processes Lake Belton water. Additional supply comes from Central Texas Water Supply Corporation (CTWSC), which treats water from Stillhouse Hollow Lake. These two sources operate on separate systems within Bell County and are not combined.

EPA Guidelines on Water Quality
Water sources (including tap and bottled water) encompass rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals, sometimes radioactive material, and may collect substances from animal presence or human activity. It's reasonable to expect all water, including bottled varieties, to contain small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Special Precautions for Vulnerable Populations
Certain populations may be more vulnerable to specific contaminants like Cryptosporidium. This includes infants, some elderly individuals, and immunocompromised persons such as those undergoing cancer chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people on steroid treatment, and those with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. Additional guidance on reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Lead in Municipal Water
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials and components in service lines and household plumbing. While the City of Belton is responsible for providing quality water, it cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. 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, you may have your water tested. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Potential Contaminants in Belton's Water Source

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or oil/gas production and mining

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure tap water safety. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for bottled water contaminants to provide equivalent public health protection.

Some water quality issues like taste, color, or odor problems aren't necessarily health concerns. For questions about these aspects, contact us at (254) 933-5823.

According to the water loss audit submitted to the Texas Water Development Board for January through December 2017, the City's water loss percentage was approximately 10.14% or 110,097,147 gallons. These calculations include estimates of unmeasured water usage, physical system losses, and unreported/unaccounted losses. Water losses also encompass hydrant flushing and firefighting usage. Typical distribution system losses range from 5% to 20%. The City of Belton maintains an ongoing program to reduce water losses, with automated meter reading infrastructure helping monitor the system.

Stormwater Awareness
Rainwater flowing along street gutters into drains doesn't receive treatment at sewage plants, so pollutants remain. This runoff goes directly into lakes, creeks, and streams. Everything deposited on the ground contributes to contamination. Clean water is everyone's responsibility. Together, we can improve water quality for drinking, swimming, and fishing by:

1. Keeping pollution out of drains
2. Never fertilizing when rain is forecast
3. Blowing grass clippings back onto lawns
4. Cleaning up after pets
5. Practicing good car maintenance

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