City of Hanford

The City of Hanford Utilities and Architectural Division is proud to present this year's Consumer Confidence Report. This document is designed to inform residents about the quality of water delivered to homes daily. Our primary goal is providing safe, high-quality and reliable water service while helping residents understand our ongoing efforts to protect water resources.

For questions about this report or our water utility, please contact the Resources and Engineering Department at 585-2550. We value keeping our customers informed about their water quality. The Hanford City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays monthly at 7:00 PM in the Civic Auditorium council chambers at 400 N. Douty Street to discuss community issues, sometimes including water system improvements and quality matters.

Our water supply comes exclusively from groundwater drawn from deep aquifers beneath the city. The City of Hanford system maintains 14 active wells and one standby well. A groundwater protection assessment was completed in May 2003, with the full report available at the State Water Resources Control Board office in Fresno or at our Utilities and Engineering Division office.

The city's groundwater sources were found most vulnerable to: sewer collection/septic systems, agricultural/irrigation wells, and gas stations/auto repair operations, though these aren't associated with any detected contaminants. The City of Hanford continuously monitors water quality according to federal and state regulations and implements strict standards when constructing new wells to protect our water supply.

We routinely test for more than 120 water contaminants. This report shows results from January-December 2017, with some older relevant test results included. The detected contaminants are listed in Tables 1-7 of the full report.

Special Health Information: Water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects is available from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at http://water.epa.gov/drink/standards/science.cfm.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and infants may face higher risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers about their drinking water.

1. How do I start new water, sewer, and trash service?

   To establish new service, please note that requests received after 3:00 pm will result in connection the following workday. You can visit City Hall with a valid photo ID, a copy of your signed lease or Closing Disclosure, and make a deposit payment via cash, check, money order or credit/debit card. Alternatively, download and submit the Residential Water Service Application by mail, fax, or email along with required documentation.

2. Who do I contact regarding trash service?

   Waste Connections provides this service at $19.16 monthly for residential customers (effective 9/18/15), billed through your water bill. You'll receive a 95-gallon poly-cart, with additional carts available for $11.95 monthly. Recycling service is also available with up to two free 18-gallon bins or a 96-gallon cart for $1 monthly.

3. What payment options are available?

   Payments can be made online (account number and last payment required), in person at City Hall, via night drop (no cash), through bank/credit card auto-draft, or by mailing check/money order to the provided PO Box.

4. How is my sewer rate calculated?

   Rates are based on "winter averaging" using December, January, and February water usage. New accounts are charged the city-wide average until the next winter averaging cycle.

5. When are water bills due?

   Bills are mailed by the 20th of each month and due by the 15th of the following month.

6. Why do I have a penalty fee?

   If payment isn't received by the 15th, a 10% penalty is automatically assessed on the 16th day of the month.

7. When is the disconnection date?

   Service disconnection occurs on the 25th of each month, with a $50 Service Charge for reconnection. If no deposit is on record, one will be required.

8. Where do we pay property/school taxes?

   Please contact the Rockwall County Tax Assessor/Collector at 972-204-6130.

9. What causes taste and odor changes in the water?

   Natural "algal blooms" typically occur in late July and August, though they can also happen during winter months. Despite taste and odor issues, the water remains safe to drink.

10. Who should I contact for water/sewer emergencies after hours?

    Please call 972-824-4403 for 24-hour maintenance assistance.

11. How do I find if a property has water and sewer services?

    Call 972-771-4601 for this information.