Public Wholesale WSD 17

Newton's primary water supply comes from groundwater in the Equus Beds, part of the High Plains Aquifer. This extensive aquifer spans approximately 174,000 square miles across seven states including Kansas, where it underlies roughly 30,500 square miles. It represents one of the nation's most crucial agricultural water resources.

Local government entities, public water systems, state agencies, and the EPA collaborate to ensure water safety standards are maintained. Municipal water providers are responsible for maintaining treatment facilities and distribution networks while ensuring contaminant levels remain below legal thresholds.

The U.S. Congress established the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1974, with subsequent reauthorizations in 1986 and 1996. Through this legislation, the EPA and state agencies develop and enforce regulations that protect public health. Newton's Water Division publishes information to reassure customers about their water quality.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants, including immunocompromised individuals, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers regarding water consumption. The EPA/CDC offers guidance on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants through their Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

All water sources, including tap and bottled water, may contain trace amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Water typically acquires minerals, and occasionally radioactive materials, as it travels across land surfaces. The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while the FDA regulates bottled water standards to ensure comparable public health protection.

Traffic Control and Intersection Safety

1. How do I request stop or yield signs for my residential street? Many Newton intersections lack traffic control signs. Texas Transportation Code Section 545.151(D)(1) requires drivers approaching unsigned intersections to yield to traffic from the right. This "Yield to the Right Rule" generally works effectively on residential streets, encouraging cautious approaches to intersections.
2. When are yield signs considered? Yield signs may be installed at residential intersections with limited visibility or accident patterns indicating right-of-way assignment needs. They're typically placed on streets with lower traffic volume.
3. What about stop sign installation criteria? Stop signs are considered when: a road enters a highway or street averaging at least 300 vehicles per hour for any eight hours of a typical day; or when speed, visibility limitations, and accident history demonstrate a need for traffic control.

Pedestrian Safety and Infrastructure

1. How do I request a crosswalk? The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) requires specific accessibility features before crosswalk markings can be installed. Contact your City Council representative to initiate this process.
2. What should I do about neighborhood speeding concerns? Contact the Newton Police Department's non-emergency line to discuss speed enforcement options. Additional traffic studies may be recommended if necessary.

Water Rights and Infrastructure

1. Why did the City purchase the Ford Ranch? The 32,000-acre acquisition across multiple counties permanently resolves water rights interpretations between the City and ranch owners. This secures Newton's water supply and protects previous infrastructure investments while potentially recovering purchase costs through future resale.
2. What risks existed without this purchase? The City faced potential ongoing legal challenges regarding water rights interpretations, which could jeopardize the municipal supply and $120 million Hickory investment.
3. What alternatives were considered? Options included prolonged court battles with current and future ranch owners, negotiating new agreements (potentially surrendering water rights), or pursuing eminent domain (likely more expensive than the $43 million purchase).