Public Notice from the City of Sulphur Springs

Mandatory Language for Surface Water Treatment Technique Violation
SURFACE WATER TREATMENT TECHNIQUE: ACUTE

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) sets minimum water quality standards for public drinking water. One of these standards is a turbidity limit. Turbidity by itself has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may also indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. These symptoms can be particularly severe in people who are not as resistant to infections as most of the population. If you experience severe symptoms, please consult with your doctor to determine what actions you should take.
The CITY OF SULPHUR SPRINGS, PWS ID TX1120002, failed to meet the minimum treatment technique requirements for the month of December 2022. Specifically, our water system had  Multiple barrier failure treatment technique violation (CFE > 1.0 NTU and IFE > 2.0 NTU).
On the early morning of December 24th 2022, the raw water turbidity entering the treatment plant increased from 30 NTU to 265 NTU within a two-hour period. This rapid increase in the raw water turbidity was caused by high winds at the source and increased cold water temperatures experienced during the extreme weather event. An upset was experienced in the sedimentation basins causing a high settled water turbidity and a greater than normal demand on the filters. The coagulant dosage was immediately increased and a filter aid polymer was implemented to correct
the increasing settled water turbidity.
Please share this information with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (i.e., people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have questions regarding this matter, you may contact:
James Jordan - Utilities Director
City of Sulphur Springs Texas
903-439-4901
Posted /Delivered on: 12/31/2022 Posted: 12/28/2022

Shady Grove #2 WSC customers, we check our disinfections levels daily, our levels have checked normal, if you have questions you may contact our office at 903-885-7339.