Water quality is at the core of everything we do. From routine testing and system monitoring to regulatory compliance and operational maintenance, Texas Water Company works around the clock to help ensure the water delivered to our customers meets state and federal drinking water standards.
Chlorine plays an important role in maintaining safe drinking water, and customers often have questions about how it works and why it is used. In this edition, we're taking a closer look at how water quality is monitored, why disinfectant levels are important, and the steps utilities take to maintain water quality and address potential concerns.
Chlorine plays a critical role in protecting public health. It is added during the treatment process to disinfect water and help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause illness.
Equally important is maintaining a small amount of chlorine, known as a chlorine residual, throughout the distribution system. This residual acts as an ongoing safeguard as water travels through storage tanks, pump stations, and miles of pipeline before reaching customers' homes and businesses.
Without adequate disinfectant residuals, water can become more vulnerable to biological contamination within the distribution system.
Q: What does low chlorine mean?
A: Low chlorine means the disinfectant residual in part of the water system has dropped below required levels.
This does not automatically mean harmful bacteria are present. However, because chlorine helps protect the water as it moves through the distribution system, regulations require utilities to take immediate action whenever disinfectant levels fall below established standards.
Q: Why does a boil water notice have to be issued for low chlorine?
A: A boil water notice is issued as a precautionary measure required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
When disinfectant residuals fall below required levels, there is no longer sufficient assurance that the water is continuously protected throughout the distribution system. As a result, customers are notified to boil water used for drinking, cooking, ice making, brushing teeth, and other consumption-related activities until water quality has been verified through testing.
The boil water notice is intended to protect public health while the issue is being investigated and resolved.
Q: Does a low chlorine event mean the water is unsafe?
A: Not necessarily.
A low chlorine residual does not automatically indicate the presence of harmful bacteria. Chlorine levels can decline for a variety of reasons, including high temperatures, elevated organic matter in the water, or naturally occurring substances such as iron and manganese that consume chlorine. However, because chlorine serves as an important barrier against contamination, additional sampling and testing are required to confirm water quality before restrictions can be removed.
Q: How is a low chlorine situation corrected?
A: Our water quality teams work quickly to identify the cause and restore disinfectant levels throughout the affected area.
Corrective actions may include:
After corrective actions are completed, water quality samples are collected to verify that disinfectant levels have been restored and the issue has been resolved. Laboratory analysis of these samples takes approximately 18 hours. Once testing confirms the water meets all applicable regulatory standards, the boil water notice can be rescinded.
Q: Why does it take time to lift a boil water notice?
A: Before a boil water notice can be lifted, water quality samples must be collected and analyzed to verify that the system meets all regulatory requirements. These samples must be processed by a state-approved laboratory, and the timing of the results depends on the laboratory's operating hours, testing procedures, and processing capacity. As a result, utilities do not have complete control over how quickly test results are received and reviewed.
This process helps ensure customers can confidently resume normal water use once water quality has been fully confirmed.
Myth: If I can smell chlorine, there's too much in my water.
Fact: A chlorine odor does not necessarily indicate a problem. Chlorine can often be detected by smell at levels well below regulatory limits and can vary based on water temperature, plumbing conditions, and individual sensitivity.
Myth: Clear water is always safe to drink.
Fact: Water clarity alone does not indicate water quality. Water treatment and laboratory testing are used to identify contaminants that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Myth: Utilities only test water when there's a problem.
Fact: Water quality testing occurs routinely. Texas Water Company conducts ongoing monitoring throughout the treatment and distribution system to verify compliance with drinking water standards and identify potential issues before they affect customers.
Myth: A boil water notice means harmful bacteria have been found.
Fact: Not always. In many cases, a boil water notice is issued as a precautionary measure when water quality conditions require additional verification. The notice helps protect public health while testing and corrective actions are completed.
Protecting water quality involves much more than treating water at a plant.
Our water quality professionals routinely:
These activities occur every day to help ensure customers receive high-quality, reliable drinking water.
Did You Know? Every public water system in Texas must comply with strict state and federal drinking water regulations. Water quality is verified through routine monitoring, laboratory testing, operational oversight, and regulatory reporting throughout the year.
Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about the water system we manage for you. Texas Water Company remains committed to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water and keeping customers informed about the processes, regulations, and professionals working behind the scenes to protect public health.
We look forward to sharing more updates in the next edition of The Water Source. Previous editions and additional customer resources can be found on our website.