Learn about frequently asked questions and common issues related to water quality.
Why Do I Have This Issue?
Before calling, please answer the following questions, so we can best determine the cause of your water quality issue:
- How long has this been occurring?
- Is there a color? What is the color?
- Is there any sediment or rust? If there is residue, what does it look like?
- Is there a smell? Does it smell like chlorine or rotten eggs?
- Does the issue only occur when you are running hot water or cold water?
- Does the issue occur only when you are gone for extended periods of time?
- Do you live at a dead end or cul-de-sac?
- Do you have filters or softeners? Is the device for your whole house or only for a specific faucet?
- Is the issue occurring through the whole house, or only at specific locations?
- Have you observed recent construction in your area?
- Do you have an irrigation system? If so, are you up to date with your Backflow and Customer Service Inspections?
- Have you experienced an increase in water usage that may indicate a leak?
Quick Reference Guide for Common Water Quality Issues
|
Issue |
Possible Cause |
Solution |
|
Cloudy / Milky Colored Water |
|
|
|
Black Floating Particles |
|
|
|
Black Particles |
Internally activated in-line charcoal filter |
By-pass filter and call a service company |
|
White Floating Particles |
Deteriorating water heater dip tube |
Service water heater |
|
Brown particles uniform in size |
Resin from water softener |
Service water softener |
|
Rust |
|
|
|
White or Light colored sediment |
Hard water (calcium carbonate will precipitate when heated or frozen) |
Flush water heater regularly, every 6 months, to remove loose calcium carbonate. |
|
Sand |
|
|
|
Low Pressure |
Multiple factors can cause low pressure. |
See our Quick Reference Guide for Common Water Pressure Issues page for a complete list of possible causes and solutions. |
|
Taste |
Internal plumbing work |
Flush internal water lines |
|
Odor |
Odor coming from sink drain |
Contact Sewage Provider/Septic Company |
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes color and sediment in my water?
Color and sediment are generally caused by the customer’s service line or internal plumbing. However, they may occur after a water main repair. If this happens, flush the line by turning on the water (low flow) at the faucet the furthest away from the meter for approximately ten (10) minutes. If the problem persists after flushing, please refer to our chart above to determine the possible cause and solution before contacting Customer Service.
What causes the taste and odor I sometimes notice in my water?
TWC uses chlorine to disinfect the water which may produce a detectable taste and odor in the water. Although TWC utilizes surface water from Canyon Reservoir for over 55% of its water supply, other tastes and odor issues are due to the use of ground water and the natural minerals found in ground water. Taste and odor from the use of ground water can easily be solved with the use of an inexpensive water filter that attaches to the faucet inside the home or business.
Does TWC water contain fluoride?
TWC does not fluoridate its water. Fluoride occurs from erosion of natural deposits and is mostly found in our groundwater supply. However, surface water may contain trace amounts of fluoride. TCEQ has set the maximum level allowed in a public water system at four (4) parts per million gallons. Please refer to the Consumer Confidence Report for your location to determine the level of fluoride detected.
People are allowed to swim and go boating in our reservoir. Should I worry about this?
Although the swimmers and boats do add some pollution, this pollution is diluted by all the water that is in the lake or reservoir, and it is very minimal. In addition, the water is thoroughly treated before it reaches you, and any contamination is removed. Fires, litter, and storm water runoff are far worse than this kind of pollution.
What are disinfection byproducts?
Disinfection byproducts such as Trihalomethanes (TTHM)* and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)** are formed when chlorine is added to drinking water during the water treatment process. The chlorine, in addition to destroying disease-causing organisms, reacts with naturally occurring organic matter (dissolved leaves and other vegetation) to produce disinfection byproducts. Disinfection byproduct formation continues as long as the water remains in contact with chlorine. Customers may see CLWSC Operators flushing water mains to reduce TTHM’s and HAA concentrations and keep water safe for our Customers. For more information on this subject, you can contact the EPA Safe Water Drinking Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
* Trihalomethanes (THM) are a group of four chemicals that are formed along with other disinfection byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water. The trihalomethanes are chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform. EPA has published the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule to regulate total trihalomethanes (TTHM) at a maximum allowable annual average level of 80 parts per billion.
** Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) are a group of chemicals that are formed along with other disinfection byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water. The regulated haloacetic acids, known as HAA5, are: monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid, and dibromoacetic acid. EPA has published the Stage 1 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule to regulate HAA5 at 60 parts per billion annual average.