City of Port Neches Water Company

The quality of our municipal water is carefully monitored and regulated. This report summarizes the quality standards of water we provide to our customers, using data from the most recent EPA-mandated tests.

Where Does Our Water Come From?
Port Neches obtains its water from Surface water sources. Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential Contaminant Sources:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from wastewater facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial discharge, or agricultural activities
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

Understanding Municipal Water Standards
All municipal water meeting federal standards is considered safe for consumption. The presence of small amounts of contaminants 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).

Secondary Water Characteristics
Elements like calcium, sodium, and iron can affect taste, color, and odor but aren't health concerns. These secondary constituents are regulated by Texas, not the EPA, and aren't required in this report.

Source Water Assessment
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has assessed our source water and determined certain sources may be susceptible to specific contaminants. For more information on source water protection, contact Phillip Pryor at (409) 722-4024 or visit http://www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/swaview.

Important Lead Information
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While we provide high-quality water, we can't control plumbing component materials. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. For lead testing information, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Special Notice for Vulnerable Populations
Some people may be more vulnerable to certain microbial contaminants like Cryptosporidium. Infants, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding water consumption. Guidelines to reduce infection risk are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

1. Where does City of Port Neches water come from?
   City of Port Neches supplies surface water to Port Neches, Texas.
2. Does City of Port Neches test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, City of Port Neches must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact City of Port Neches?
   Call 409-719-4214 or visit 1005 Merriman Street, Port Neches, TX 77651, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does City of Port Neches water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is City of Port Neches water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.