Summerville

Water Sources and Treatment
Summerville obtains water from Raccoon Creek, which is treated at the Summerville Water Treatment facility. Additionally, water from Lowe Spring flows directly to the Lowe Spring Plant where it's filtered with chlorine and fluoride addition before entering the distribution system. The spring consistently delivers high-quality water.

Our Watershed
The Northwest Atlanta Water Supply Watershed Assessment identifies potential contamination sources in our approximately 25 square mile watershed. The area primarily consists of forest and pasture with wildlife, livestock, and some residential areas with septic systems. The DNR maintains a fish hatchery on a spring-fed tributary upstream from our treatment facility. Potential pollution sources for Raccoon Creek include 8 bridges, 1 dairy operation, 1 fuel facility, 1 NPDES permit holder and 1 RCRA site.

Lead Awareness
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in tap water primarily comes from plumbing materials. While we provide quality water, we cannot control materials used in home plumbing. To minimize exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for cooking or drinking if it has been unused for several hours.

Vulnerable Populations
Immunocompromised individuals, cancer patients undergoing treatment, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants may be more susceptible to contaminants. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about water consumption. Guidelines for reducing infection risk are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791.

Water Quality Testing
Our laboratory technicians conduct tests hourly to ensure optimal water quality. We test untreated creek and spring water to optimize treatment processes, and monitor water through five different production phases continuously, 365 days per year. Our distribution system includes 45 sample sites tested twice monthly to verify absence of bacteria, meeting federal and state standards.

Water Conservation Tips
• A leaking faucet can waste 20 gallons daily • Collect rainwater in barrels for plant watering • Report broken pipes, open hydrants, and excessive waste • Install efficient, water-saving showerheads

1. Why do property owners pay an annual "road fee"?

   Tahitian Village was developed with minimal infrastructure investment. Roads were essentially "bulldozed" into the existing landscape, with some receiving minimal asphalt and basic culverts. This limited initial investment allowed lots to be sold at significantly lower prices compared to properly developed subdivisions. The cost of adequate road construction wasn't included in lot pricing, which explains the subsequent road fees. These fees fund necessary road improvements to acceptable standards, gradually increasing property values as infrastructure improves.

2. How was the Road District formed and why does it exist?

   The Road District was established through Texas State House Bill 2341 in 1989 after the original developer abandoned the subdivision and road-building responsibilities. The legislation mandated that the District complete road construction, charge appropriate fees, and eventually transfer finished roads to County or City jurisdiction. This approach prevents unfairly transferring development costs to all County residents, as subdivisions typically must build roads to certain standards before government acceptance.

3. Will Road fees continue to rise?

   Current road fees are $180 per lot annually. State legislation allows fees to reach a maximum of $252 per year per lot. The fee amount directly impacts road completion timeline—lower fees extend the completion period, while higher fees accelerate construction progress.

4. How many more miles of roads need upgrading to County Standards?

   Approximately 30 miles still require road base construction and final chip sealing before they can be transferred to County maintenance.

5. How is it determined which roads receive limited improvement resources each year?

   Road priorities are established using three main criteria: 1) Housing density (homes per foot of road), with highest density roads receiving priority; 2) Connectivity to existing paved roads; and 3) Logistical efficiency when working in specific areas. This mathematical approach ensures equitable and practical resource allocation while eliminating arbitrary decision-making.

6. What is the purpose of the annual road meeting typically held in March?

   The Annual Road Meeting, required by the Road District's establishing legislation, presents the upcoming Annual Road Plan. This plan identifies which roads will be improved over the next two years based on budget constraints and prioritization criteria. Advance planning is essential to allow time for necessary surveys and arrangements.