Consumer Magazine - Mock

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Published in Partnership with

Investing in Our Community

Also Inside: Harmful Algal Blooms What Does a Superior Rating Mean for Your Water System Your Texas Rural Water News Source Texas Rural Water Association | www.trwa.org | (512) 472-8591

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Dave McMurry, Aqua WSC

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ore than 54,000 people count on Aqua Water Supply Corporation to provide water for their daily lives. In fact, homeowners, farmers, businesses and ranchers have relied on Aqua Water Supply for a safe, dependable water supply for nearly 50 years. We take this responsibility to our membership seriously, and so we are dedicated to the highest quality industry standards, conservation practices and continuous improvement of our water treatment and delivery processes.

Since beginning operations in 1970, Aqua Water Supply has grown into a network of 1,800 miles of pipeline covering 1,200 square miles, currently serving almost 20,000 households. Aqua Water Supply is capable of producing 23.3 million gallons of water per day from 31 groundwater wells, and we have the capacity to store 14.5 million gallons of water in elevated and ground storage tanks. In terms of meter connections, Aqua Water Supply is the second largest water supply corporation in Texas, with a service area that covers most of Bastrop County and portions of Lee, Caldwell, Fayette, Travis and Williamson counties.

Over the years, we have made significant investments in infrastructure improvement projects. With an eye to the future, we are executing a long-range, strategic plan to ensure that the changing water needs of our members are met in a sustainable and responsible manner. Our goal is to ensure a reliable, highquality water supply — not just today, but for future generations to come.

Being prepared for growth involves thoughtful planning to guide capital investments. As a nonprofit cooperative business, Aqua Water Supply is owned by its member customers and governed by a board of directors elected by members. We keep our membership’s best interests in mind as we make sensible investments in infrastructure enhancements to ensure quality service and maintain pace with growth and development.

Planning for growth is always necessary, but actually building new infrastructure before it is needed would mean a departure from our typical conservative strategy of “Growth Pays for Growth.” With the fast pace of population growth throughout the Central Texas region, development and construction will almost certainly increase. Rest assured that Aqua Water Supply will continue to make practical and well-thought-out investments as needed to provide a safe, reliable, sustainable source of water for you and your family.

All the Best, Dave McMurry, General Manager Aqua Water Supply Corporation

2 Texas on Tap — Winter 2017

W at er Q ua li t y Y o u C a n T r u s t

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ach year in June, Aqua Water Supply provides an annual water quality report to its membership. This comprehensive report covers testing for a range of potential contaminants, as verif ied by the independent Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ( TCEQ).

But water quality is much more than a yearly report; it’s a priority that we focus on every single day by following thorough, professional processes for optimum water safety. Part of that focused effort is the routine testing of water samples at the Aqua WSC Laboratory. For example, Aqua conducts sampling for bacterial tests four days per week, producing at least 60 samples per month.

With the ability to conduct sampling and testing in-house, Aqua can get results much more quickly, reducing the time needed to verify process improvements or address issues of concern. To ensure integrity of the water samples that are tested, Aqua follows rigorous guidelines for sample taking at approved sample sites that have met strict criteria.

In addition to testing its own water and wastewater for process control, regulatory

compliance and reporting, Aqua also offers highquality testing services to other utilities and businesses, home owners and private well owners.

All test result data is available free to Aqua members, and services are offered in support of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program to promote well safety. Visit the Texas Well Owner Network (TWON) website to read more: http://twon.tamu.edu.

The Aqua lab is accredited by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) and certified by the TCEQ for the federal Safe Drinking Water Act in support of the Texas Public Drinking Water Program. For more information, visit the Aqua WSC Laboratory website: www.aquawsclabs.com.

Texas on Tap — Winter 2017 3

T he T op 10 B ills Y ou N eed to K now A bout T hat M ay I mpact Y our W ater U tilit y

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By Erin Selvera, Legal and Legislative Services Director, Texas Rural Water Association

he Texas 85th Regular Legislative Session came to a close on Memorial Day, and just under 18 percent of the 7,051 bills and resolutions that were filed were signed into law. With much fanfare on issues such as immigration and privacy, it would have been easy to overlook other important issues under consideration before the legislature. That’s why the Texas Rural Water Association Legislative Team tracked 638 bills and resolutions across 30 different categories that could affect water utilities. Here are the top 10 bills that passed, which became effective on September 1, 2017, unless otherwise noted.

10. HB 1083 by Perez and Rodriguez amends the Water Code to allow the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to authorize an investor-owned utility (IOU) to establish a class of rates for elderly people at a lower rate than other classes, and allows for utilities to establish a fund to receive donations to recover the costs of providing these reduced rates. The new law prohibits recovery of costs through charges to other customers.

9. HB 1508 by Giddings and West amends the Occupations Code to require entities that provide educational programs that prepare an individual for issuance of an occupational license (like a water utility operator) to notify each applicant of their potential ineligibility to obtain the license if they have certain criminal convictions.

8. HB 2647 by Stephenson and Taylor amends the Public Funds Investment Act to make interestbearing banking deposits that are guaranteed or insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund authorized investments under the Act, with certain exceptions. This law became effective June 15, 2017.

7. SB 499 by West and Wray amends the Property Code to add the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act. The new law will impact who has the ownership right to property after the owner’s passing, which may impact, for example, who would be entitled to membership in a water supply corporation (WSC).

6. HB 3047 by Dale and Schwertner amends the Open Meetings Act to specify that a member of a governmental body who participates in a meeting by videoconference call shall be considered absent from any portion of the meeting during which audio or video communication with the member is lost or 4 Texas on Tap — Winter 2017

disconnected.

5. SB 564 by Campbell and Capriglione amends Section 551.089 of the Open Meetings Act to allow a governmental entity to discuss in closed session matters regarding security of information resources technology, security personnel, critical infrastructure, and security devices; expanding on an existing provision in Section 551.076 of the Act.

4. SB 1289 by Creighton and Paddie adds a new provision to the Government Code also referred to as the “Buy America” law. It requires political subdivisions, including water districts, to use U.S. produced steel and iron products in projects financed, refinanced or partially funded by money from a state governmental entity such as the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), but provides some exceptions.

3. HB 1648 by Price and Seliger requires the TWDB to require a retail public utility that provides potable water service to 3,300 or more connections to designate a person as the water conservation coordinator responsible for implementing the water conservation plan and to notify the TWDB Executive Administrator of this person.

2. HB 1573 by Price and Creighton requires the TWDB to establish rules requiring water loss audits to be completed by a person trained to conduct water loss auditing. The bill requires the TWDB to make training on water loss auditing available without charge from the TWDB’s website. The TWDB may provide training in person or by video or a functionally similar and widely available medium.

1. SB 79 by Nelson and Capriglione expands the Public Information Act to allow additional entities, including WSCs, to refer a requestor to an exact internet location or uniform resource locator (URL) address on a website as a method of producing information requested under the Act. The law requires the governmental body to provide the information in another format if the requester prefers a manner other than access through the internet.

T echnical A ssistance C orner : H armf ul A lgal B looms

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By Celia Eaves, Professional Development and Training Director, Texas Rural Water Association

armful algal blooms (HABs) are a major environmental problem that can impact water system operations and customers. Also known as red tides, blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, harmful algal blooms are rapid overgrowths or “blooms” of cyanobacteria. Understanding the conditions under which HABs can form, monitoring and implementing treatment is important in effectively managing a HAB event.

While cyanobacteria naturally occur in marine and fresh water, some cyanobacteria are capable of producing toxins, called cyanotoxins, which can pose a risk to people and animals. Drinking, accidentally swallowing or swimming in water affected by a harmful algal bloom can cause serious health problems, including rashes, stomach or liver illness, respiratory problems, or neurological affects. Cyanobacteria can also produce taste and odor issues and interfere with treatment plant performance. Cyanobacteria blooms can appear blue, blue-green, brown and other colors and be foamy or appear as scum or mats across the water surface or have no visible scum at all. It is important to note that it is not possible to determine if a bloom is producing toxins solely through visual observation, so any bloom is potentially dangerous and, thus, a potential risk to drinking water sources.

Predicting HABs before they occur can be challenging. Blooms can be caused by several factors.

Environmental factors such as water quality, amount of sunlight or water temperature can all contribute to algae overgrowth. Utilities monitor influent raw water to help them understand their susceptibility for cyanobacteria to enter the treatment plant. Utilities can also implement monitoring programs to provide early warning that cyanobacteria blooms are occurring, as well as observations noted during previous cyanobacteria blooms in water sources. For example, some utilities experience blooms in surface water supplies in early summer when the water reaches a warm enough temperature, while others note its occurrence in late summer or early fall when turnover begins. Blooms may take place after a significant rain event, or may occur after a series of sunny days. Nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause a dramatic increase in algae growth and reproduction and play a large role in bloom occurrence. The best way to know for sure if

cyanobacteria are present is through sampling.

Identifying which cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins are present helps determine the appropriate treatment processes. In general, the most effective way to remove cyanotoxins is while they are still encased within the intact cyanobacteria cells, or intracellular. Optimization of current treatment processes — coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation — are effective at cyanobacteria cell removal and, thus, intracellular toxin removal. Once cyanotoxins are released from the cells, or extracellular, they are generally much more difficult to remove and will require additional treatment processes, such as adsorption. Sometimes water treatment itself can release toxins from cyanobacteria. For example, most oxidants will lyse the cyanobacteria cells present and release their cyanotoxins. If at all possible, cyanobacteria cells should be removed through the coagulation/ sedimentation process prior to adding an oxidant to keep the cell structure intact and the cyanotoxins contained. If pre-oxidation is necessary for adequate turbidity and/or organic carbon removal, water systems typically consider the use of a weaker oxidant such as potassium permanganate that is less likely to lyse cyanobacteria cells.

Utilities evaluate their source and treatment processes to formulate a plan to include both shortterm and long-term actions to design an effective HAB management approach. The plan includes a combination of the following: • Establishing a monitoring program that includes specific and detailed monitoring • Enhancement of treatment strategies and/or addition of new treatment processes • Switching sources if possible

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department monitors harmful algal blooms as they progress and communicates with the public through the agency website and social media accounts. Recent Status Reports can be found at:

http://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/environconcerns/ hab/.

Texas on Tap — Winter 2017 5

P rogram H elps Veterans F ind E mployment in the W ater and W astewater I ndustry

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By Lisa Adams, Foundation Development Director, Texas Rural Water Foundation

t’s no surprise to those familiar with the water and wastewater industry that in the next 10 years, a string of employees in this f ield will be retiring.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that 7,000 water and wastewater operators will be needed.

To bridge a gap between employers and veterans in need of a job, the Texas Rural Water Foundation (TRWF) has embarked on a mission to attract veterans to the water and wastewater utility industry through their Veteran Employment Program (VEP).

One objective of the VEP is to increase awareness among veterans that working in the water and wastewater industry is a viable, meaningful and longterm career path. Veterans who sign up to be in the VEP will receive access to basic training and educational resources in operator positions at no cost to them, as well as reimbursement for the expenses of their water or wastewater operator license exam.

Water utilities that hire a veteran can also sign up through the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to be recognized as an “On-The-Job Training (OJT)” facility.

This program is an alternative way for veterans to use their GI Bill, allowing veterans to learn a trade or skill on the job rather than attending formal classroom instruction. Once the veteran is hired by a water or wastewater utility that is approved as a TVC OTJ Training facility, he or she is eligible for a monthly stipend from the U.S. Veteran’s Administration. This stipend is in addition to his or her regular salary. The TVC is responsible for approving OJT programs in Texas. Generally, the approval process takes only a matter of weeks, and the veteran is eligible for the benefits retroactively from the date their employment began. The VEP has developed resources to assist utilities with obtaining this credential.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, in partnership with Merck Company Foundation, recently published their study Veterans in the Workplace: Understanding the Challenges and Creating Long-Term Opportunities for Veteran Employees. Conducted between 2015 and 2016, the study surveyed 400 human resource professionals nationwide and 1,000 veterans who have transitioned 6 Texas on Tap — Winter 2017

out of the military in the last five years. Results showed that veterans are now a top three recruiting target for companies nationwide, as American businesses have made tremendous strides in military hiring in recent years The programs published findings can be located online at https://uschamberfoundation.org/reports/ veterans-workplace.

However, unless veterans are applying for defense contract jobs, they have to translate their military skills into civilian terms. Although our military develops men and women into leaders with strong work ethics, finding the right fit when transitioning into the civilian workforce can be a challenge.

The water and wastewater industry may be a good fit for veterans seeking to serve their communities.

The VEP matches veterans with entry-level operator positions and helps them study for and obtain a “D” license. The VEP will also identify other positions for veterans, such as administrative assistants, managers, etc. Any open position a utility may have, the VEP will search for a veteran eligible to fill the position.

One veteran who is currently benefiting from the VEP is Joshua Dennis. When Joshua was hired by East Medina County Special Utility District as a water operator, he held a Class D license. Through the VEP, he recently took TRWA’s Groundwater Production course and will sit for the Class C water license exam. He plans to continue working in the water industry, eventually hoping to obtain his Class A water license.

I took a day to go and visit with Joshua and his supervisor, TRWF Board Director Bruce Alexander. I appreciated hearing about what Joshua did in the Navy, but I’m more impressed with what he has planned for his future. He’s very ambitious and knows exactly what he wants to do.

Where did you grow up? Tell me about your high school and your family.

Texas State Trooper, but I realized I had a limited time to utilize my GI bill; so I decided to go to school and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice while working for a private security company.

How did you get into the water industry?

While working and going to school, I became aware of a job opportunity at Guadalupe Blanco River Authority through some family friends. I filled the position as a D licensed surface water operator before taking another job opportunity at East Medina County SUD in groundwater. Since working in the water industry, I have returned to school and am now pursuing a double major in Environmental Biology and Criminal Justice at Palo Alto College in San Antonio.

East Medina County SUD Superintendent Bruce Alexander with veterans Joshua Dennis and Tyler Terry.

I grew up in Devine, Texas with my mother, father and two brothers. I attended Devine High School where I enjoyed playing sports, such as football, shotput and discus, tennis and golf.

What made you decide to join the military?

I was showing a steer at a county livestock show and I was approached by a U.S. Navy recruiter. After listening to the recruiter, I realized that joining the Navy was a great opportunity to travel the world, learn something productive, help people and pay for my education. Since my father was a Marine, I knew that the joining the military was a great option.

What was your job title and rank?

I served as a Master of Arms E3-Seaman.

How long did you serve in the Navy?

For a little over three years. I spent two years in Nebraska and the rest of my time in the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain.

What was your favorite part of the Navy?

I was able to fulfill my dream of traveling by visiting places such as Italy, Greece, England, Portugal and Dubai. These were locations I would have never seen unless I was a millionaire.

What did you learn or take away from your time in the Navy?

I credit the Navy with allowing me to make friends from different cultural backgrounds, as well as teaching me professionalism, work ethic and how to approach stressful situations in a calm manner.

What was your plan after getting out?

My initial plan after leaving the Navy was to become a

Why do you think it is important to pursue a career in the water industry?

Working in the water industry is a fulfilling occupation because of its importance to the people that use it. I feel that clean, safe, drinkable water is not only a necessity, but can improve the quality of people’s lives.

What are your future career goals?

My goal is to get my degrees and to eventually receive an A license to become a chief operator in the water industry.

How is the Texas Rural Water Foundation assisting you in working toward that goal?

Texas Rural Water Foundation is currently helping me become a C licensed groundwater operator at East Medina County SUD. How did you hear about Texas Rural Water Foundation and the Veteran Employment Program?

I became aware of the Veteran Employment Program through my Superintendent, Bruce Alexander, and from receiving copies of Quench, the trade magazine produced by the Texas Rural Water Association.

What are you up to these days?

I spend most of my time working at East Medina County SUD and focusing on my studies, but I do enjoy watching sports in my downtime. I have a fiancée who I plan to marry in June of this year, and two dogs—a Golden Retriever named Buddy and a Yorkiepoo named Caesar.

If would like to learn more about the Texas Rural Water Association’s VEP, please call 512-472-8591 or email foundation@trwa.org. You may also learn more about the program on the Foundation’s website at www. texasrwf.org.

Texas on Tap — Winter 2017 7

W hat D oes A S uperior R ating M ean Y our W ater S ystem ?

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public water system (PWS) is a system that provides water via piping or other constructed conveyances for human consumption to at least 15 service connections or serves at least 25 people for at least 60 days each year. As of June 28th, 2017 the State of Texas regulates 6,952 PWSs, providing drinking water to 27,456,677 customers.

Unlike many other states, Texas uses outside contractors (rather than the system itself ) to assess the state of these systems. This objectivity helps guarantee correct reporting; in fact, failure to report violations is common in some states because it is difficult to report on things that haven’t been tested.

The Texas Health and Safety Code under Chapter 341.0353 provides the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) with the authority to evaluate public drinking water supplies at least once each year and as often during the year as conditions demand. The information gathered during the evaluation is then used to assign a rating to the water system of “Approved” or “Superior.” But what does this “superior status” mean to the consumer?

Adequate Oversight — To be recognized as a superior system, a minimum of two licensed operators (additional operators for larger systems) are required.

This ensures the system is adequately staffed, which ultimately leads to increased oversight and a smaller margin for error.

Safe and Reliable Water — The most important factor for a consumer is safe, reliable water. TCEQ administers the Public Drinking Water program under primacy authority from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In this context, a superior system has met standards that prove the system can consistently provide quality drinking water.

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets national limits on contaminant levels in drinking water to ensure the water is safe for human consumption. When awarded this status, a system has gone 24 months without microbiological violations.

To attain the superior status, TCEQ requires compliance with EPA drinking water standards for two types of contaminants. In this industry, the phrase “potable and palatable” is often used to describe these standards. While potable refers to the safety aspects, palatable references things like taste and appearance.

8 Texas on Tap — Winter 2017

for

• Primary standards are set to protect consumer health by setting maximum levels on contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, nitrate, lead, copper or chemicals used for water disinfection. A superior status is awarded only when microbiological sampling ensures water is potable and free of pathogens.

• Secondary standards are set at levels that, in most cases, aesthetically alter the water: this could include taste, odor or discoloration.

Effective Planning and Preparedness — As communities evolve, it is important for systems to maintain sustainability. To this effect, certain requirements are set forth to ensure a superior system can adequately provide for consumers, even in the event of an unforeseen situation.

For example, a superior system is required to have at least two wells, two raw water pumps or a combination of these to provide average daily consumption even with the largest well or pump out of service. Consumers depend on reliable sources, and this requirement helps ensure safe water despite inflation or unexpected circumstances regarding the wells, pumps or water.

To further implement preparedness, TCEQ also includes a capacity requirement for the system based on its service area. Capacity is crucial because it enables the system to a) reach consumers and b) reach them efficiently. This distinction is made because systems with low capacities often have low water pressure, and low pressure can increase the likelihood of outside infiltration.

Good Housekeeping — Lastly, TCEQ includes standards that help enforce optimal operations. It may be comforting to know that a superior system must comply with operating practices that include but are not limited to: documenting, reporting, flushing, etc.

This gives added assurance that procedures are being executed.

The water system is also required to be wellmaintained and present a pleasing appearance to the public. While the general appearance of the facility does not affect the water quality, these requirements hold the system to a higher standard. The underlying principle includes other aspects associated with superiority in clean water; tidiness and transparency is not a quality exclusive to the product.

T e s t Y o u r K n o wl e d g e !

Water IQ Quiz

1. What is the process of a gas or vapor changing to a liquid form?

2. What is an underground layer of rock and sand that contains water called?

3. What is the removal of dissolved salts from seawater?

4. What do you call the series of processes that physically removes particles from water?

5. Water naturally stored below the surface of the earth that supplies wells and springs is called...?

How many gallons of water does each activity use on average?

1. A 10 minute shower 2. Washing one load of clothes 3. Flushing a toilet 4. Applying 1 inch of water across a 1,000 square foot lawn 5. Running a dishwasher 6. Brushing your teeth with the water running for 2 minutes 7. Playing with the garden hose for 15 minutes 8. Allowing a faucet to drip for one day

Name: _________________________________________________

Word Search

Word Search

Find the following water-related words in the puzzle: Conservation Contaminant Drought

Gallon Liquid Potable

Purification Runoff Saline

Tap Water Well

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Answers:

Find the following words in the puzzle.

Words are hidden and .

Know Your Usage: 1. 50 2. 43 3. 3 4. 2500 5. 10 6. 4 7. 75 8. 25

Water IQ Quiz: 1. Condensation 2. Aquifer 3. Desalination 4. Filtration 5. Groundwater

Investing

in

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Our Communit

qua Water Supply is pleased to invest in the local communities where our members live and work, including support for local education and emergency assistance for families in need.

Ten years ago, we initiated the Ernest W. Bracewell, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Program to provide a little extra help to customers with family members seeking higher education. Cooperative members and immediate family members are eligible to apply for a scholarship if they meet the following qualifications:

• Applicant must be a member of Aqua WSC or an immediate family member residing in the same household as the Aqua member • Aqua member account must be current

• Applicant must maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher • Applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student by an accredited business/trade or college institution; funding will be considered for pursuit of a Masters or Post-Graduate Degree • Applicant must be a U.S. citizen 10 Texas on Tap — Winter 2017

y

Scholarships are awarded each year in August.

Each selected applicant receives a scholarship in the amount of $3,000. Half of the money is available in the first semester upon proof of enrollment in an accredited course of study, and half in the second semester, provided the student meets minimum GPA requirements.

The application process will begin in the Spring, with a deadline in early June. Aqua scholarship application and guidelines can be obtained through Aqua’s website, www.aquawsc.com, or from the business office located at 415 Old Austin Highway in Bastrop.

Good luck to all our scholarship applicants!

Earning Your Confidence

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qua Water Supply delivers drinking water obtained exclusively from groundwater sources, namely the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. We participate in collecting data under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) in order to assist the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in determining the occurrence of possible drinking water contaminants.

The annual Aqua Water Supply Consumer Confidence Report provides the results of testing for a range of potential contaminants. The report is available on the Aqua website: www.aquawsc.com/ content/Water_Quality_Report.pdf

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations limiting the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk.

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it can acquire naturally occurring minerals, in some cases, radioactive material, and substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Substances that may be present in source water include: • Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, or wildlife;

• Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or may result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming;

C o n ta c t I n f o r m at i o n View Aqua WSC’s Consumer Confidence Report online at:

www.aquawsc.com/content/ Water_Quality_Report.pdf

For more information on the taste, odor or color of drinking water, call Aqua WSC’s business office at (512) 303-3943.

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

• Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses;

• Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production and may also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems; • Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or may be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Contaminants found in drinking water may cause taste, color, or odor problems. These types of problems are not necessarily causes for health concerns. For more information on the taste, odor, or color of drinking water, please feel free to contact our business office at (512) 303-3943. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 4264791.

Texas on Tap — Winter 2017 11

415 Old Austin Hwy, Drawer P | Bastrop, Texas 78602 Telephone: (512) 303-3943 | Fax: (512) 303-4881 www.aquawsc.com

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Published quarterly by Texas Rural Water Association 1616 Rio Grande, Austin, TX 78701 www.trwa.org in partnership with Aqua Water Supply Corporation

E di to ri a l B oa rd

Allison Kaminsky Texas Rural Water Association Dave McMurray Aqua WSC

Lara Zent Texas Rural Water Association

C on tac t

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Correspondence and editorial inquiries may be directed to Allison Kaminsky at (512) 472-8591 or editor@trwa.org

PH₂OTOSTREAM What do you see in Rural Texas Water?

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CASH PRIZES AND MORE! WWW.TRWA.ORG/photostream Photo Credit: 2017 PH₂OTOSTREAM Contest Category Winner - Marlyss Brightwell