Hempstead

Like most municipal water systems, Hempstead's drinking water comes from various sources including rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through soil layers, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include microbial pathogens, inorganic compounds, pesticides and herbicides, organic chemicals, and radioactive materials. To ensure tap water safety, the State and EPA set strict limits on contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, the New York Health Department and FDA regulate bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

The New York State Department of Health has completed a source water assessment for Hempstead's system based on available information. This assessment includes a susceptibility rating based on contamination risk factors and how quickly contaminants can travel through subsurface layers to reach wells.

Hempstead draws water from eight wells in the Magothy aquifer, ranging from 365 to 535 feet deep, located at the Clinton Street and Laurel Avenue Water Plants. During 2017, Well 7 experienced mechanical pump issues, while Wells 2R and 4 had limited use due to increasing iron concentrations. The remaining wells (1RR, 3R, 5, 6R, 8 and 9) operated throughout the year except during scheduled maintenance.

The Village provides several treatment processes to improve water quality:

• pH adjustment using caustic soda to reduce pipe corrosion
• Addition of sequestering agents to keep dissolved iron in solution
• Aeration of water from multiple wells to remove volatile organics
• Chlorination to prevent bacterial growth
• Air stripping towers to remove volatile organic compounds

Hempstead serves approximately 53,891 residents through 8,674 metered connections across 93.4 miles of water mains. In 2017, the system withdrew 1,884,265,000 gallons from the aquifer, averaging 3,162,370 gallons daily, with a peak day of 6,557,000 gallons on September 21, 2017.

1. How can I register my garage sale/yard sale? Garage and yard sales must be registered according to City Ordinance. Registration is available online, and your sale will be listed on the City's website to attract more customers. Check the current week's sales and register yours through the provided link.
2. How do I submit an open records request? Open records requests must be submitted in writing via letter, email, or fax to the City Secretary at: City Secretary, Government Center, 285 Uptown Blvd. Bldg.100, Cedar Hill TX 75104, email: Belinda.Berg@cedarhilltx.com, or fax: (972) 291-5307.
3. Is there free brush and tree limb collection available? Monthly curbside brush collection is scheduled by area. Week 1 corresponds to the first Monday of each month, Week 2 to the second Monday. Place brush at the curb early Monday of your collection week. Avoid placing brush over water meters.
4. Who should I contact about power outages? Report outages directly to Oncor at 888-313-4747 or visit Oncor.com for outage information and estimated restoration times. Contacting the city won't expedite resolution.
5. How do I report a streetlight outage? Use www.oncorstreetlight.com or call 1-888-313-4747 to report streetlight problems.
6. Can I set up automatic payment for my water/sewer bill? Yes, monthly automatic bank draft payments are available. Visit the provided link to enroll.
7. When is trash and recycling collected? Trash and recycling are collected on the same day each week. Collection occurs from alleys when available, otherwise from the curb. Place recycle carts (yellow lid) within three feet of the collection point. For questions, call the City at (972) 291-5100 x1003 during business hours.
8. What about oversized or bulky items? One bulky item or four bundles of brush can be set out on your regular collection day. Bulky items include appliances, furniture, carpet, mattresses, and fence sections (cut to 4-foot width without concrete). Refrigerators and cooling appliances must be certified Freon-free. Construction materials, tires, auto parts, hazardous waste, and animal remains are excluded.
9. How do I find out if my neighborhood has a homeowners association? Contact Neighborhood Services at (972) 291-5100 ext. 1099 to check for an active HOA in your area.
10. Can the city enforce lawn maintenance requirements? Yes, city ordinance requires grass and weeds be maintained below twelve inches in height. Report violations to Code Enforcement at (972) 291-5100 ext. 1094 or through the "Access Cedar Hill" button on the city website.
11. How safe is Cedar Hill? According to Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Index data, Cedar Hill ranks as the 8th safest community among 23 Dallas County municipalities.
12. How do I report a pothole? Use the "Submit a Request" function on the city website or call (972) 291-5126 with the pothole's location and size. For after-hours emergencies, call (972) 780-6643.
13. How do I obtain a library card? Texas residents can receive free library cards with proper identification (Texas driver's license and proof of address). Non-residents can purchase cards for $20 annually.
14. Does the Tri-City Animal Shelter microchip animals? All adopted or reclaimed animals must be microchipped at a cost of $25, which includes registration with AVID, the national microchip registry.