Allen In Focus: February 2023 Issue

ALLEN CITY COUNCIL

Once your smart meter is installed, you will be able to see detailed, hourly data by logging into your customer dashboard. Customers will also receive automated alerts when water use patterns detect potential leaks. As of mid-January, more than 7% of residential smart meters detected potential leaks.

Customers can learn more about the project, access their dashboard and see where installation teams are headed next by visiting the City of Allen website.

The revitalization of Downtown Allen reached an important milestone this January. The area formerly known as the Central Business District has now been rezoned to Allen’s Downtown District, after City Council approved several amendments to the Land Development Code. More than a simple name change, this new re-designation defines what purpose each section of Downtown Allen will serve and sets the stage for the long-awaited revitalization of the area.

Councilmembers also approved the creation of a new Downtown Design Review Board. The board of seven Allen citizens will hear, review, recommend and determine matters related to the Downtown District.

VOTING DATES & DEADLINES MAY 6 GENERAL ELECTION

Allen voters will elect a new mayor and councilmember for Place No. 2 during the May 6 General Election. Allen’s mayor and council members are elected at large and serve three-year terms. Candidate information will be available online after filing closes on February 17.

Annual water system maintenance is March 6-April 3

You might notice a slight change to the taste or smell of your tap water due to a temporary change in disinfectant by Allen’s water supplier, North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). Though your water might taste or smell different, it’s safe for drinking and bathing.

What is annual maintenance and why do we need it?

Water suppliers must keep drinking water free of disease-causing microorganisms. This requires ongoing maintenance of the pipes, tanks and towers that carry and store our water.

Allen’s water supplier, North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), uses a mixture of chlorine and ammonia to keep the distribution system clean. For four weeks each year, NTMWD removes the ammonia and uses chlorine only. This temporary change in disinfectant takes advantage of chlorine’s effectiveness at eliminating microorganisms to give our water system a deep cleaning.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) creates federal water quality guidelines based on thorough, peer-reviewed research. Every treatment process used by NTMWD meets EPA safety criteria.

Thousands of tests to assure water quality are performed annually by NTMWD, the City of Allen and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). These tests verify that Allen’s water meets all federal and state requirements for health and safety. The City of Allen is rated as a “Superior Water System,” the highest level possible.

Why does the water taste or smell different?

During most of the year, NTMWD uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia to guard against bacteria in our water system. When ammonia is temporarily removed from the mixture, a chlorine taste and odor can become more prominent. Outdoor temperatures and overall water use also influence the reaction of chlorine to other materials in the water supply. This may cause smells and odors to fluctuate year to year. NTMWD does not increase the amount of chlorine in the water during its four-week change in disinfectant.

Can I do anything to reduce the taste or odor?

Not everyone notices a change in the water during this period. However, those who notice the changes can reduce chlorine tastes and odors by running tap water a few minutes before using, refrigerating water in an open pitcher for several hours or installing filters on faucets. While not necessary to meet safety standards, whole-home filtration systems can also help reduce tastes and odors.

GET INVOLVED IN WATER SAFETY

If you notice a water/sewer leak or see someone pouring chemicals, lawn waste or other debris into a creek or storm drain, call 214.509.4530 to make a report.

The EPA website contains well-organized information about water quality. Type in “EPA Water Quality” into your favorite search engine or visit EPA.gov/wqs-tech to find it.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enforces environmental laws and regulations. If you want to learn more about the enforcement process or make a complaint, call 888.777.3186 or visit TCEQ.texas.gov/compliance

CityofAllen.org/SafeWater

Is it safe? How do we know?