City of Longview

If you have health concerns related to information in this report, we encourage you to contact a healthcare provider. For more information about this report or questions about your municipal water, please call the Water Purification Section at 903-237-2780.

Important Health Information
Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants—face heightened infection risks. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about water consumption. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial infection risks are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Understanding Your Water Sources
Municipal water (both tap and bottled) originates from rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can collect substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants: viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants: naturally-occurring minerals and metals, or those from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, and agriculture
• Pesticides and herbicides: from various sources including agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants: synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants: naturally-occurring or resulting from resource extraction activities

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water supplies. FDA regulations set similar standards for bottled water. Tap water may contain minor amounts of certain contaminants without necessarily posing health risks. Information about contaminants and potential health effects is available through the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Lead and Copper Information
Longview maintains an excellent compliance record for lead and copper monitoring. These metals aren't detected in water leaving treatment facilities but may appear due to household plumbing corrosion. Elevated lead levels can pose serious health risks, especially for pregnant women and young children. When water sits in pipes for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. For concerns about lead in your water, consider testing. More information is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Longview's Water Sources and Distribution
Longview uses surface water from three sources: Lake Cherokee, Sabine River, and Lake O' the Pines. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has completed source water assessments for all three sources, with reports available by calling 903-291-5234 or 903-237-2780.

Our Watershed Management Program actively monitors local water quality in partnership with the Sabine River Authority, Cherokee Water Company, Northeast Texas Municipal Water District, Texas Railroad Commission, TCEQ, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, and professional water associations.

During 2017, Longview experienced no water shortages and didn't implement conservation plans. Our Water Loss Audit (January-December 2017) reported approximately 190,656,418 gallons lost—less than 5% of total water pumped—including water main breaks and line flushing. Questions about the Loss Audit can be directed to 903-237-2780.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Longview's stormwater program addresses watershed contamination from flooding, erosion, and pollution. The program focuses on municipal operations management, construction runoff control, and public education about watershed protection. Residents can help prevent stormwater pollution by:

• Using fertilizers sparingly
• Cleaning driveways and sidewalks properly
• Never dumping materials into storm drains
• Maintaining healthy lawns without bare spots
• Composting yard waste
• Using less-toxic pesticides according to instructions
• Directing downspouts away from paved surfaces
• Using commercial car washes instead of home washing
• Checking vehicles for leaks and recycling automotive products
• Picking up pet waste

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