East Rio Hondo WSC Water Company

We are pleased to present our annual water quality report to East Rio Hondo residents. As in previous years, we remain dedicated to delivering the highest quality water possible. We continue to meet the challenges of new regulations, source water protection, conservation initiatives, and community education while fulfilling the needs of all our water users.

We invite you to participate in our public forums and voice any concerns about your municipal water. Our meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 PM at the East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation (ERHWSC) Main Office, located at 206 Industrial Parkway, Rio Hondo, Texas.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has completed an assessment of our source water. Results indicate some sources may be susceptible to certain contaminants. Testing requirements are based on this susceptibility and previous data. For more information about source water assessments and protection efforts, contact TCEQ Region 15 office at (956) 425-6010.

Important Health Information: Some individuals may be more vulnerable than the general population to certain microbial contaminants in municipal water, particularly those with compromised immune systems. This includes infants, elderly persons, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people on steroid treatments, and those with HIV/AIDS. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding municipal water consumption. Guidelines on reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

In 2017, East Rio Hondo WSC implemented an UltraViolet Disinfection System at the Martha A. Simpson Water Treatment Plant on FM 510 capable of neutralizing Cryptosporidium. This system adds an additional layer of protection beyond traditional treatment processes.

Lead in Residential Plumbing: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials and components in service lines and home plumbing. While we provide high-quality municipal water, we cannot control the materials used in household plumbing components. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. For more information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction steps, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or visit www.EPA.gov/safewater/lead.

Water Sources and Potential Contaminants: Our municipal water (both tap and bottled) originates from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activity. Municipal water may reasonably contain small amounts of certain contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

East Rio Hondo WSC operates three surface water treatment plants: a 0.675 Million Gallons Daily (MGD) facility in Arroyo City, and two near San Benito (3.2 MGD and 8.0 MGD), plus a 2.0 MGD saline groundwater Reverse Osmosis treatment plant west of Combes, Texas. We also supplement our supply through an agreement with the City of Harlingen for 6.0 million gallons monthly of treated water.

1. Where does East Rio Hondo WSC water come from?
   East Rio Hondo WSC supplies surface water to Cameron County, Texas.
2. Does East Rio Hondo WSC test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, East Rio Hondo WSC 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 East Rio Hondo WSC?
   Call 956-748-3633 or visit 206 Industrial Pkwy |, Rio Hondo, TX 78583, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does East Rio Hondo WSC 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 East Rio Hondo WSC 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.