City of Webster

Our Municipal Water Is Carefully Regulated

This report summarizes the quality of municipal water we provide to our customers. The analysis was conducted using data from the most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required assessments and is presented in the following pages. We hope this information helps you better understand what's in your tap water.

Source of Water

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities. All water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Potential Contaminants in Source Water

• Microbial contaminants - viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants - salts and metals occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides - from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants - synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants - naturally occurring or from oil/gas production and mining

Webster's Water Source

The City of Webster uses purchased surface water from the City of Houston. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has assessed our source water, finding some sources susceptible to certain contaminants. Testing requirements are based on this susceptibility and previous sampling data.

Understanding Water Quality Standards

When water meets federal standards, there may be no health advantages to purchasing bottled water or point-of-use devices. Small amounts of contaminants don't necessarily pose health risks. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Secondary Constituents

Many components in drinking water (calcium, sodium, iron) can cause taste, color, and odor issues. These secondary constituents are regulated by Texas, not the EPA, and don't present health concerns. Therefore, they aren't required in this report despite potentially affecting water appearance and taste.

Important Lead Information

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While Webster is responsible for providing quality water, we cannot control plumbing component materials. When water sits for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned, consider having your water tested.

1. How often is Webster's water tested? The City of Webster tests water quality multiple times daily for basic parameters and conducts comprehensive testing according to EPA and TCEQ schedules.
2. Does Webster add fluoride to the water? No, the City of Webster does not add fluoride to the municipal water supply.
3. What causes the occasional chlorine smell? Periodic disinfection processes ensure water safety throughout the distribution system, which can cause temporary chlorine odors.
4. How can I report water quality concerns? Contact the Public Works Department at 281-332-1826 for immediate water quality concerns.
5. Is Webster's water considered "hard" water? Yes, Webster's water is considered moderately hard due to natural mineral content, which may affect appliances and require more soap for cleaning.