Texarkana Water Utilities

Certain populations may face higher vulnerability to microbial contaminants like Cryptosporidium in municipal water. Particularly susceptible groups include elderly individuals, infants, people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, those on steroid treatments, and individuals with HIV/AIDS or immune system disorders. These residents should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. Additional guidance on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants is available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

No Cryptosporidium has been detected in either of Texarkana's water sources. TWU utilizes two surface water reservoirs: Lake Wright Patman in northeast Texas and Lake Millwood in southwest Arkansas. This information covers water from both lakes, treatment facilities, and the distribution system. For source water details, see the "Source Water Assessments" section.

WATER SOURCE TYPES: Municipal water comes from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive materials. It may also pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (minerals, metals) occurring naturally or from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, or mining
• 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, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may be naturally occurring or result from oil/gas production and mining

EPA regulations limit contaminants in public water systems to ensure drinking water safety. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water. For questions about this report or your water utility, contact Rick Barton, Water Production Supervisor (903-798-3850), or J.D. Phillips, Executive Director (903-798-3821).

To learn more, attend Town Council meetings. Texas meetings occur at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday monthly at Texas Town Hall (220 Texas Blvd., 903-798-3900). Arkansas meetings take place at 6:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Monday monthly at Arkansas Town Hall (216 Walnut Street, 870-779-4991). Some dates may change due to holidays or conflicts; please call to confirm.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENTS: The Arkansas Division of Health completed a Source Water Vulnerability Assessment (SWVA) for Texarkana's Lake Millwood source, determining it has low contamination susceptibility. Request the SWVA summary from TWU office. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality assessed Lake Wright Patman, finding it susceptible to certain contaminants. Sampling requirements are based on this susceptibility and previous data.

LEAD AND MUNICIPAL WATER: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from service line materials and home plumbing components. While Texarkana Water Utilities provides high-quality water, we cannot control plumbing material varieties. When your water sits unused for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned, consider water testing. Information about lead in water, testing methods, and exposure reduction steps is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

WATER LOSS: In our water loss audit submitted to the Texas Water Development Board for January-December 2017, our estimated water loss was 7.22%. For questions about the water loss audit, please call 903-798-3850.

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