Harris County FWSD 51

This report provides essential information about your tap water and the efforts made by Harris County FWSD 51 to deliver safe water to your home. Like all municipal water, including bottled varieties, our water may contain small amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, please contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

To ensure water safety, the EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enforce regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. For questions about this report, please contact Billy Allen at 713-637-8835.

Our water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it naturally dissolves minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials. It can also pick up substances from animal or human activity. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, which can occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial wastewater, oil/gas production, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

Harris County FWSD 51 obtains surface water from the North Channel Water Authority, which purchases treated water from the City of Houston sourced from the San Jacinto and Trinity Rivers. We also utilize wells drawing from the Evangeline Aquifer in Harris County.

Some residents may be more vulnerable to certain contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly persons, and infants can be particularly susceptible to infections. These individuals should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. Guidelines for reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily enters drinking water from materials in service lines and home plumbing. While we're responsible for providing quality water, we cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting 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. If concerned, you can request water testing. Information about lead in drinking water is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

To participate in discussions about water quality, please contact Billy Allen at 713-637-8835. The Board of Directors meets on the second Friday monthly at noon at 367 Queenstown Rd., Houston, Texas 77015.

1. How often is my water tested for contaminants?
2. What should I do if I notice unusual taste, odor, or color in my tap water?
3. Does Harris County FWSD 51 add fluoride to the water supply?
4. How can I report a water main break or service disruption?
5. Where can I find information about water conservation programs?