FAQs • City of San Marcos, TX • CivicEngage

What is the City doing about these readings?: The City began a water sampling program near the Hays County Government Center in response to water quality problems experienced in the building. Tests from samples taken September 4 showed lead readings in 3 of 6 samples above the EPA’s action levels.

The water system in the area was flushed on September 7, and a new round of samples was taken September 8. These showed 2 of 6 readings above action levels but at different locations from the initial tests. City water distribution personnel conducted 3rd and 4th rounds of sampling September 10. The City has asked TCEQ to conduct confirmation sampling through a 3rd-party contractor.

Additionally, the City has formed a water quality task force consisting of Alan Plummer Associates Inc. (APAI), the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and City staff to work on addressing the problem. The task force will determine the appropriate next steps regarding additional sampling, interpretation of the results, identification of causes, corrective actions necessary and will start the water treatment analysis as appropriate. For more information please call 512-393-8009.

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Water Quality

1. Is there lead in the water?: No lead has been detected in samples taken on September 16 throughout the city.

Lead readings above EPA action levels of 15 parts per billion were found in 5 of 12 test samples in the vicinity of the Hays County Government Center earlier in September. For more information please call 512-393-8009.

2. Is the water safe to drink?: The water is in full compliance with state and federal regulations regarding lead in drinking water designed to ensure public health. Under these conditions customers can use water normally. For more information please call 512-393-8009.

3. What are EPA action levels?: EPA action levels are triggers for evaluation of system water treatment process and are not violations of state or federal regulations.

The action level for lead is 15 parts per billion. A part per billion is comparable to 1 penny in 10 million dollars. For more information please call 512-393-8009.

4. Does the City have a history of lead contamination in the water?: Past sampling data have shown no elevated lead levels in the City’s source water or values above action levels in home sampling sites. Water chemistry tests show that the water is non-corrosive and not prone to leaching lead from plumbing. For more information please call 512-393-8009.

5. What is the City doing about these readings?: The City began a water sampling program near the Hays County Government Center in response to water quality problems experienced in the building. Tests from samples taken September 4 showed lead readings in 3 of 6 samples above the EPA’s action levels.

The water system in the area was flushed on September 7, and a new round of samples was taken September 8. These showed 2 of 6 readings above action levels but at different locations from the initial tests. City water distribution personnel conducted 3rd and 4th rounds of sampling September 10. The City has asked TCEQ to conduct confirmation sampling through a 3rd-party contractor.

Additionally, the City has formed a water quality task force consisting of Alan Plummer Associates Inc. (APAI), the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and City staff to work on addressing the problem. The task force will determine the appropriate next steps regarding additional sampling, interpretation of the results, identification of causes, corrective actions necessary and will start the water treatment analysis as appropriate. For more information please call 512-393-8009.

6. Where does lead contamination come from?: There are generally 2 sources of lead in a water system: The source water itself or lead leached from brass parts in plumbing fixtures in buildings (lead is a significant component of brass manufactured prior to January 2014). For more information please call 512-393-8009.

7. How can I tell if I have lead in my home water?: Homeowners can hire certified testing labs to perform tests of water at their home. Find an approved laboratory near you (PDF).

8. What can I do to reduce lead from my home’s drinking water?: Some home water filters remove lead, as do some of the pitcher type filters (Brita, etc.) These devices are available at local stores. Please read information concerning these devices to ensure they are suitable for lead removal.

Flush Your System: Let the water run from the tap before drinking or cooking any time the water in a faucet has gone unused for more than 6 hours. The longer water resides in plumbing, the more lead it may contain. Flush the cold water faucet for about 15-30 seconds.

Use Only Cold Water for Cooking and Drinking: Hot water can dissolve more lead more quickly than cold water. If you need hot water, draw water from the cold tap and then heat it. For more information please call 512-393-8009.

9. What do I do if I believe City water is affecting my health?: Consult with your physician if you have questions about your health. For more information please call 512-393-8009.

10. Does this have anything to do with the Total Trihalomethanes letter I received this summer?: No, these issues are not related. For more information please call 512-393-8009.

11. Where can I find more information?: The City will open a call center Thursday morning at 8 a.m. for residents who have questions about the elevated lead readings in the water samples. Call 512-393-8009 from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.

People may also call the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Water Supply Division at 512-239-4691.