Did you know that the state of Texas maintains a database that you can use to find out information about your public water system? The database is public information and is called “Drinking Water Watch” and the website can be found on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) website, here. You can search for your public water system by entering your system’s PWS ID, name, or partial name and you can narrow down the search by using system type, county, or type of water source. The database is a great resource to find your
provider’s sample schedules, any possible violations and public notice due dates if applicable. Additionally, the database can be used to search for bacteriological and chemical sample results. Your provider is also required to update Drinking Water Watch and maintain the proper contact information so communication and compliance information, from the TCEQ, is given to the appropriate personnel in the event of a violation or emergency. A glossary of commonly used terms on “Drinking Water Watch” can be found here.
You may not be aware, but your public water system is required to maintain strict guidelines when it comes to protecting your water supply. All systems are required to maintain internal procedures to immediately notify the TCEQ’s executive director by phone if any of the following events occur, which may impact the production or delivery of safe water in your system: • An unusual or unexplained-unauthorized entry at the property of the public water system • An act of terrorism against the public water system • An unauthorized attempt to probe or gain access to proprietary information that supports the key activities of the public water system • Theft of property that supports the key activities of the public water system • A natural disaster, accident, or an act that results in damage to the public water system
It is required by state law that your water provider maintains intruder resistance fencing around all facilities. The fence must be 6 feet or greater in height, constructed of either wood, concrete, masonry, or metal and be finished with three strands of barbed wire extending outward from the top of the fence at a 45-degree angle. The smooth side of the fence must be on the outside. However, if your water provider chooses not to use barbed wire, the fence must be eight feet in height. The fence is required by state law to be in good condition and close enough to ground level to prevent intruder passage. All potable water storage tanks and pressure tanks must be installed in a lockable building that is designed to prevent intruder access or must be enclosed by an intruder resistance fencing with lockable gates. The gates and doors must be locked whenever the facility is unattended. continued on next page
