Texarkana Water Utilities

Certain populations may be more vulnerable than others to specific microbial contaminants found in municipal water, particularly Cryptosporidium. Those at higher risk include elderly individuals, infants, and immunocompromised persons such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, those taking steroids, and individuals with HIV/AIDS or similar immune disorders. These residents should consult their healthcare providers about water consumption guidelines. Additional information on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants is available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Texarkana Water Utilities draws from two primary surface water sources: Lake Wright Patman in northeast Texas and Lake Millwood in southwest Arkansas. No Cryptosporidium has been detected in either water source. This report provides comprehensive information about both lakes, treatment facilities, and distribution systems.

Types of Water Sources: Municipal water (both tap and bottled) originates from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water moves across land or through soil, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials. It may also collect substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (minerals, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, mining, and farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for bottled water contaminants to provide equivalent public health protection.

Public Involvement: For questions about this report or our water utility, please contact Rick Barton, Water Production Supervisor (903-798-3850) or J.D. Phillips, Executive Director (903-798-3821). We encourage our customers to stay informed about their water utility. City council meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday (Texas) and 1st & 3rd Monday (Arkansas) of each month at their respective city halls. Some dates may change due to holidays.

Source Water Assessments: Both Arkansas and Texas environmental agencies have completed vulnerability assessments of our water sources. Lake Millwood has been determined to have low contamination susceptibility, while Lake Wright Patman shows vulnerability to certain contaminants. For more information, contact Rick Barton at 903-798-3850.

Lead and Municipal Water: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing components. While Texarkana Water Utilities provides high-quality water, we cannot control the materials used in residential plumbing. To minimize potential lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, especially after periods of non-use. If concerned, consider having your water tested. Information on lead in water is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Common Questions About Water Service and Billing

1. How do I access my water usage information online?
2. What assistance programs are available for low-income residents?
3. How is my sewer service billed and calculated?
4. What electronic payment options are available?
5. How do I interpret my water bill and usage units?
6. What is the black device on my water meter cover?
7. Why are residential customers billed annually for sewer service?
8. Where can I find documentation of charges on my bill?
9. Who provides wastewater services in different neighborhoods?
10. Why are commercial accounts billed differently than residential?

Water Quality Questions

1. What steps are being taken to address taste issues and algae concerns?
2. Does our municipal water contain fluoride?
3. Does our water meet safety standards for chromium 6?
4. How hard is our local water supply?
5. How frequently is water quality tested?
6. Is our water regularly screened for lead contamination?
7. Who should I contact with water quality concerns?
8. What recommendations do you have regarding water softeners?
9. What initiatives are underway to reduce water hardness?
10. Why might water taste vary seasonally or between neighborhoods?