2018 Water Utilities Consumer Confidence Report 2018 Water Utilities Consumer Confidence Report | Page 4

For more information:
Water Quality:................................................ 817-575-8984
Laboratory services, water quality questions or water quality
problems. If you have questions concerning this brochure, ask for
the laboratory.
Customer Care:...............................................817-275-5931
The Arlington Water Utilities
laboratory staff is available to
answer your questions about
water quality at 817-575-8984.
Here are some answers to the
most asked questions.
ASK
THE
LAB
Open new or transfer account, billing inquiries, water conserva-
tion, water and sewer rates. My water sometimes appears cloudy when I first turn on the
tap. Why? This can be caused by tiny air bubbles that are in the water. It is
Emergency Water, and
Sewer Services (24 hours):...........................817-459-5900 common for this to happen when it’s colder outside or the water pressure changes
because air becomes more soluble in water under these conditions. Once the
water comes out of your tap, the water is no longer under pressure and the air
comes out of solution as bubbles. Cloudy water caused by tiny air bubbles is not
harmful to health. An easy way to test whether the cloudiness is caused by air
bubbles is to fill a clear glass with water and let it sit on the counter for a minute. If
the cloudiness clears from the bottom to the top, then you can be assured that this
is air dissipating from your water.
Service interruptions, water leaks, sewer problems
Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality (TCEQ):..............................................512-239-1000
To participate in decisions concerning water:
Attend the Arlington City Council meetings
held in City Hall, 101 West Abram Street.
Meeting schedule is posted online at
www.arlingtontx.gov/citycouncil/meeting-schedule/
To view City Council Agenda or to watch
a City Council meeting webcast, please visit
www.arlingtontx.gov/citycouncil/agendas/
In accordance with Section 13.045 of the Texas Water Code, the City
hereby provides notice that customer revenue derived from the sale
of water to wholesale customers for resale was expended for various
economic development and Capital Budget projects.
Visit our website at:
www.ArlingtonTX.gov/waterccr
A fire hydrant on my block was open and gushing water. Why
would you do that? The practice of opening a fire hydrant and letting
the water run for several minutes is known as flushing. This practice improves
water quality and ensures you are getting the freshest, highest quality water
to your home. Build-up of sediment can occur in mains and flushing can help
minimize any discoloration or sediment in your water. If you notice sediment
or discoloration in your water, try letting the tap run for several minutes. If this
does not clear up the issue, please notify the water department.
Why does my water smell musty sometimes? During certain times
of the year, it is not uncommon to experience some taste and odor issues with
your tap water. A naturally occurring compound called geosmin is produced by
algae found in surface water. Extreme temperatures can kill off algae in surface
water, which releases the geosmin into the water. While the taste and odor
can be unpleasant, geosmin is not toxic or harmful. The water remains safe to
drink. Heating the water increases the volatility of these compounds, which
explains why the smell is more easily detected when you are in the shower
or when water is used for hot beverages. To make the water taste better, try
chilling it, adding ice cubes, a slice of lemon, or a few drops of lemon juice. And
remember that the change in taste and odor is only temporary.
Should I be worried about lead in my drinking water? The City of
Arlington tests for lead every three years at 50 sites across the city, as required
by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Results gathered in
summer 2018 showed zero samples reading above the action level for lead
or copper, which is set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Because of its history of testing results registering well below established limits,
Arlington’s lead testing frequency was decreased from every six months to a
three year schedule by the TCEQ. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause
serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated
with service lines and home plumbing. Arlington Water Utilities is responsible
for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of
materials use in plumbing components. Older homes (built before 1930) are
more likely to have plumbing fixtures containing lead. When your water has
been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure
by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using it for drinking
or cooking.
If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your
water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps
you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water
Hotline or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Want to learn more? Visit us at www.arlingtontx.gov/water
or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/arlingtonwater)
or Twitter (@arlingtonwater). You can also find useful information
about efficient water use at www.SaveArlingtonWater.com.
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