Malvern Waterworks

We're proud to present this year's Annual Water Quality Report. This document aims to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver daily. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable municipal water, and we want you to understand our continuous efforts to improve treatment processes and protect our valuable water resources.

Where Does Our Water Come From?
Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. Our specific source is surface water from the Ouachita River.

Is Our Source Water Safe?
The Arkansas Department of Health has completed a Source Water Vulnerability Assessment for Malvern Water Works. Based on various evaluation criteria, our water source has been classified as having low susceptibility to contamination. You can request a summary of this assessment from our office.

Potential Contaminants in Water
As water moves across land or through ground, it can pick up substances from natural sources or human activities. These may include:

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

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA establishes similar limits for bottled water to ensure public health protection.

Understanding Health Risks
All water, including bottled water, naturally contains some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. However, certain individuals may be more vulnerable, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants. These groups should seek advice from healthcare providers about their water consumption.

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

1. What are the requirements for new water, sewer and garbage service? Visit the Utility Billing Department by 11:00 am on the day you need service, complete a contract and pay both the deposit ($50-$160) and $20.00 connection fee.
2. How soon do I need to request water service? You may visit the Utility Billing Department anytime before 11:00 am on the day you need service.
3. How do I transfer my water service to another Hewitt address? If you already have service with City of Hewitt, download the transfer form from our website and email it to water@cityofhewitt.com. A $20 transfer fee applies.
4. Can I pay my bill by credit card? Yes, pay online at www.cityofhewitt.com. Click "Pay Online" under the image, then "Utilities Payment." Enter your account and customer PIN (found on your bill). You can make a one-time payment or register for automatic monthly drafts from your bank account or credit card.
5. How can I detect a silent toilet leak? Remove the tank cover, add 3-4 drops of food coloring to the tank, and wait 5-10 minutes. If color appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak.
6. Why is my water bill unusually high? While we calculate charges based on meter readings, common causes include: sprinkler systems (which use more water than most realize), silent toilet leaks, or underground leaks between the meter and house (which may not create visible wet spots due to rocky terrain).
7. How can I check for leaks? Ensure no water is being used in your home (no dishwashers, showers or washing machines). Check your meter's digital register - if inactive, shine a bright light on it. A continuous water flow will show as an arrow or tap icon on the display.
8. Can I arrange a payment plan if I had a leak? Yes, by contacting utility billing staff, we can work out arrangements for paying off your bill in a timely manner.
9. How do I disconnect my water service when moving? Download the disconnect form from our website and email it to water@cityofhewitt.com or deliver it to Community Services Building, 103 N. Hewitt Drive, Hewitt, Texas 76643.
10. How can meter readers read meters covered with dirt? Meter readers are professionally trained and can often read meters without completely clearing away dirt or debris - this is part of their daily routine.
11. Why do billing periods vary in length? Some months have 31 days, and months with five Fridays have more days in the billing period, but you'll only be billed twelve times annually.
12. What should I do if my water service is disconnected for non-payment? Pay online at www.cityofhewitt.com or in person by 4pm, and service will be reconnected between 1-4pm the same day (with a $50 reconnection fee). Payments made after 4pm will result in reconnection the next business day between 1-4pm.