Consumer Confidence Report Water Quality Report-2016-ENG | Page 4

For more information:
Water Quality:...................................................... 817-575-8984
Laboratory Services water sample requests, water quality questions
or water quality problems. If you have questions concerning this
brochure, ask for the laboratory.
Customer Care:..................................................... 817-275-5931
Open new or transfer account, billing inquiries, water conservation,
water and sewer rates.
Emergency Water, and
Sewer Services (24 hours):.................................... 817-459-5900
Service interruptions, water leaks, sewer problems
Tarrant Regional Water
District (TRWD):................................................... 817-335-2491
Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality (TCEQ):..................................................... 512-239-1000
To participate in decisions concerning water:
Attend the Arlington City Council meetings,
held on the 2 nd and 4 th Tuesday nights each month
at 6:30 p.m. 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/
Visit our website at:
www.ArlingtonTX.gov/water/CCR
Arlington Water Utilities Lab Staff
What is geosmin and why is it in my water? Geosmin is a compound
found in algae that live in lakes, such as Lake Arlington, which provides water for the
Pierce-Burch Treatment Plant. When algae die, often during changes in temperature,
geosmin is released into water. It is not harmful to humans, but unfortunately, it can
cause an unpleasant taste and odor, even at very low levels. Most people will begin
to notice geosmin at about 15 parts per trillion. (A part per trillion is equivalent to a
drop of water dissolved in 20 Olympic-size swimming pools.) Most years, Arlington
Water is able to avoid any geosmin issues by operating only the John F. Kubala
Treatment Plant, which gets water from East Texas reservoirs, during winter months.
What is AMI and what does it mean for my water bill? As part of its
ongoing meter replacement program, Arlington Water Utilities is installing Advanced
Metering Infrastructure throughout the city. The 10-year project started in late 2013.
AMI meters measure the water traveling to a home or business in the same way as
traditional meters. However, the AMI system can generate more in-depth data for
customers and increase department efficiency because readings are transmitted
remotely. By ordinance, all meters must meet the accuracy test guidelines of the
American Water Works Association. As they age, small meters used for home service
may become less accurate. New meters typically measure usage more accurately and
this may result in a higher billed consumption.
Should I be worried about lead in my drinking water? 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. The City of Arlington
does not have any known lead service lines (public pipes carrying water to your
home). The most common source of lead in drinking water is solder used to join
copper pipes or faucets made of brass or chrome-plated brass. 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 water 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 about Arlington’s water? 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.