Montgomery Trace Water System

Water Resources information for Montgomery County residents:

Municipal water sources in our area 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. It can also pick up substances from animal presence or human activities.

All municipal water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

Common contaminant sources include:

• Microbial contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides: From agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants: Byproducts of industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants: Naturally-occurring or from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safety. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water. Some people may be more vulnerable to certain contaminants, particularly those with compromised immune systems, including infants, elderly individuals, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and those with HIV/AIDS.

Lead exposure is a particular concern, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily enters drinking water through plumbing materials. When water sits in pipes for several hours, flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking can minimize potential lead exposure.

Montgomery Trace Water System Source Information

Our municipal water comes from both ground and surface water sources. Our groundwater is drawn from the Jasper and Evangeline Aquifers, while our surface water comes from the San Jacinto Water Authority's Surface Water Plant on Lake Conroe.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has assessed our source water, finding some sources vulnerable to certain contaminants. For details on source water tests and protection efforts, contact customer service at 936-825-5100 or visit the Source Water Assessment Viewer at the TCEQ website.

1. What contaminants are most concerning in Montgomery County water?
   The primary contaminants of concern include Simazine, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, and Nitrate and nitrite compounds.
2. How often is Montgomery Trace water tested?
   Water quality is tested according to EPA and TCEQ guidelines, with different contaminants tested at varying frequencies from daily to annually.
3. Where does Montgomery Trace water come from?
   Our water comes from both groundwater (Jasper and Evangeline Aquifers) and purchased surface water from Lake Conroe via the San Jacinto Water Authority.
4. What causes water hardness in Montgomery County?
   Water hardness primarily results from dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals naturally present in our groundwater sources.
5. How can residents address water quality concerns?
   Residents can use certified home filtration systems designed for specific contaminants, have water independently tested, or contact Montgomery Trace Water System with specific concerns.