Water Utilities

How could I have used this much water?

You may not have - the numbers on your meter may have been transposed or hard to read. You could possibly have a leaky toilet or faucet that's difficult to detect. Just call the office and we'll work with you to solve the problem.

My bill is past due can I get an extension?

The city does not give extensions. The last day to pay your bill is the 25th of every month. Holidays and weekends do not change the due date. The city provides its customers with a  drop box for after-hours payments. 

What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?

Why do I have a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?

We may have received it after the due date or we may not have received it at all.

When a customer pays their bill but does not pay the entire amount the system prints the balance due as a late fee showing the credit for the portion you paid. 

Adding your usage for water, sewer, trash, tax and late fee then subtracting the credit will equal the amount due. 

Call our office and we will help you solve the problem.

Why is my water discolored?

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

The water in our area is high in hydrogen sulfide is the chemical compound with the formula H 2S. It is a colorless gas with the characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs.

If your cold water smells call us so we can flush your streets line. 

If your hot water smells you will need to flush your hot water heater. 

It is recommended that you flush the hot water heater every 6 months to prevent hydrogen sulfide buildup and lengthen the life of your hot water heater. 

How do I get a copy of the city permits to operate water & sewer plants?

Anyone can submit an open records request to obtain the city's permits.

What do I do in the boil water event?

Why do I have to boil my water?

When a water system's water pressure drops too low, the water could become contaminated. Contamination may be due to equipment failure, leaking pipes in the system, or insufficient disinfectant in the water supply. TCEQ requires that the water system place customers under a boil water notice. This notice will not be lifted until the water system determines that the water is 100% safe to drink without being boiled.

How do I boil my water during an advisory?

• Fill a pot with water.
• Heat the water until bubbles come from the bottom of the pot to the top.
• Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for 1 minute.
• Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
• Pour water into a clean container with a cover for storage

Should I use bottled water?

You may choose to use bottled water if it is available.

I don't like the taste of boiled water. What can I do?

To improve the taste, you can:

• Pour cooled water back and forth from one clean glass into another to add air to the water.
• Let the water stand for a few hours.
• Add a pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water.

What about ice?

• Do not use ice from ice trays, dispensers, or ice makers.
• Make new ice with boiled or bottled water.
• Purchase ice from the supermarket

How should I wash fruit, vegetables, and preparation surfaces?

• Wash fruits and vegetables with cooled, boiled water or bottled water.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute before adding food to cook.
• Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water.
• Use boiled water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade.

Can I use tap water to brush my teeth?

No. Do not use tap water to brush your teeth. Use boiled or bottled water.

 Should I give my pet boiled water?

Pets can get some of the same diseases as people. It is a good idea to give them cooled boiled water.

Is it safe to water my garden and house plants?

You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.

My water is cloudy and smells. What can I do?

Contact city hall. They will need to come out and flush the line. You will also need to flush your lines since the city can only flush up to your meter. Turn your outside faucet on, or if you do not have an outside faucet, turn on your bathtub for 10-15 minutes. This should flush your personal line.

 Do I need to worry about my fish or aquatic pets, reptiles, frogs)?

Most germs that infect people do not infect reptiles or fish. If your water system uses more chlorine or changes disinfection, be cautious about changing the water in your fish tank or aquarium. Contact your local pet store or veterinarian for more advice.

Is it safe to wash my laundry?

• Wash and rinse the laundry as normal using warm or hot water.
• Dry your laundry in a clothes dryer or by hanging them in the sun. The heat from the dryer/sun will kill any germs from the water.
• Do not wash new clothes in hot water. If the water system treats the water with extra chlorine, the water may bleach out these items since the clothes have never been washed to set in the color dye.
• Use your best judgment to wash your clothes.

What should I do about feeding my baby?

• Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option, Use a ready-to-use formula.
• Prepare powdered or concentrated formula with bottled water. If you do not have bottled water, use boiled water. Disinfect water for formula if you cannot boil it (see above for directions on how to use bleach to disinfect water).
• Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use.
• If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.

How do I wash dishes during a boil water advisory?

Dishwashers are safe to use if the water reaches a temperature of at least 160°F or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.

To wash dishes by hand:

• Wash and rinse the dishes as normal using hot water.
• Add one teaspoon of unscented household bleach in a separate basin for each gallon of warm water.
• Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least 1 minute.
• Let the dishes air dry completely.

I already drank the water. Will I get sick?

Most people who drink this water will not get sick. If you get sick, the symptoms are similar to food poisoning: nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever.

 What should I do if I have symptoms?

The most important thing to do is avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine, such as soda, coffee, and tea. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your health or that of a family member.