Surface Water Supplied by the Authority is Safe to Drink
Recent Taste and Odor Inquiries Regarding Drinking Water
Malcomson Road Utility District (MRUD) receives most of their water from the North Harris County Regional Water Authority.
The recent changes in taste and odor of the treated surface water being delivered by the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (the “Authority”) to a few districts are believed to be the result of a spike in Geosmin and Methyl-Isoborneol (MIB) which are naturally occurring compounds found in Lake Houston. All recent test results have confirmed that the water being supplied by the City of Houston to the Authority and by the Authority to its customers is indeed safe and meets all State and Federal drinking water requirements.
The Authority purchases treated surface water from the City of Houston’s Northeast Water Purification Plant (the “NEWPP”), the raw water source of which is the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston. Seasonal changes such as temperature and rainfall events can influence Geosmin and MIB levels in the water in Lake Houston. Seasonal changes in the lake can impart variations in taste and odor of the treated surface water. The City of Houston continuously monitors the incoming raw water and the finished water leaving the NEWPP to ensure its compliance with all applicable State and Federal drinking water standards.
The Authority is working with the City of Houston to mitigate the variations in taste and odor to the maximum extent possible. Proper disinfection levels are being monitored and maintained. Flushing, where appropriate, is being done to help alleviate the situation. The Authority is continuing to monitor, sample and test the water coming into our system and throughout our transmission and distribution system to ensure that the drinking water being delivered by the Authority is safe to drink.
Geosmin and MIB Information Sheet
Geosmin and Methyl-Isoborneol (MIB) are naturally occurring compounds that have a very strong, earthymusty odors.(1) Geosmin and MIB can be detected by humans at very low levels.
The City of Houston routinely monitors for Geosmin and MIB in the water supply. These compounds are usually present in drinking water, however not at noticeable levels.
Generally, Geosmin & MIB become a taste & odor issue for customers when levels are in the range of 20-30 nanograms (one millionth of a milligram) per liter, but some people who are particularly sensitive may notice it at levels above 10 ng/l (2). To put it in simpler terms that would equate to one cent in a billion dollars.
What are the Effects of Geosmin and MIB?
Geosmin and MIB produce a musty, earthy smell and taste in drinking water, however both compounds are not harmful at levels present in drinking water.(3)
What Causes Increased Levels of Geosmin and MIB?
Some kinds of algae and bacteria present in lake and river water naturally produce Geosmin and MIB. An increase in this production typically happens during summer into early fall when lake levels are low, rivers are flowing slowly and water temperatures are warm.
What Can be Done About Geosmin and MIB?
Geosmin and MIB cannot be removed from water using normal treatment processes available at the existing NEWPP. The City of Houston adds Powdered Activated Carbon at the NEWPP to help reduce the levels of Geosmin and MIB.
References:
1. Frederick W. Pontius “Water Quality and Treatment – A Handbook of Community Water Supplies, 4th Edition”, American Water Works Association 1990. Page 151
2. Diana M.C. Rashash, Robert C. Hoehn, Andrea M. Dietrich, Thomas J. Gizzard, and Bruce C. Parker, “Identification and Control of Odorous Algal Metabolites” American Water Works Association, (AWWA Research Foundation), Denver Colorado 1996. Page 62
3. United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Secondary Drinking Water Standards: Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals” EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Washington DC. https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations/secondary-drinking-waterstandards-guidance-nuisance-chemicals#table-of-secondary
Malcomson Road Utility District has resumed operations at Water Plant No #2
Malcomson Road Utility District (MRUD) has resumed operations at Water Plant No #2. Maintenance work is still being performed at the plant, but it should not disrupt operations. The water quality should improve as the plant’s surface water is released into the system. This might take up to 2 days. For the past months, the District has been using well water from Water Plant No. 1 as a primary source of water which caused differences in taste and appearance. If you continue to have water quality issues, please contact EDP at (832) 467-1599 so we can work to resolve individual situations.
Water Plant Maintenance
Malcomson Road Utility District(MRUD) is currently completing maintenance work at Water Plant #2; therefore, the plant is offline. Water Plant #2 is the primary source of water for the District but because of the repairs, MRUD has shifted over to use Water Plant #1. Water Plant #1 utilizes ground water from a well instead of the NHCRWA surface water so the water may seem different in taste and appearance. Chlorine residuals are continuously monitored by EDP at the water plant and throughout the District to ensure that the water provided to residents is safe for consumption despite taste, odor and discoloration differences.
The work being done at Water Plant #2 should be completed by the first week in June. Once that work is complete, MRUD will shift back to its normal operations. If you continue to have water quality issues, please contact EDP at (832) 467-1599 so we can work to resolve individual situations.
Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation
King Solution Services, Contractor for Malcomson Utility District, will be conducting sewer rehabilitation in your neighborhood beginning in 1 week and lasting approximately 1 week. The overall project will begin in February 2023 and be completed in August 2023, pending any weather delays. We will also hand out a second notification 48 hours before work will begin. Please be aware that multiple crews will be requesting access for line and manhole rehabilitation to the utility easement located within the property. Our normal working hours are 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
During the process of this rehabilitation, it will be necessary for our crews to have access to the utility easements for the purpose of performing video survey of sewers, installing sewer liners, and excavating your sanitary sewer service for reconnection to the sewer main. Please have all pets restrained or removed from the property and yard ornaments, furniture, landscape improvements, etc. removed from the sewer easement while the rehabilitation process is being conducted on your property. At times it may be necessary for us to remove and replace sections of fence, bushes, and other landscaping to complete this work. All property will be restored to the original condition
after our work is complete. King Solution Services will take video or still pictures of your property prior to any construction.
It is the goal of King Solution Services to complete this project with as little inconvenience as possible. Your cooperation will be gratefully appreciated. If for any reason a problem should occur, a King Solution Services representative may be contacted at 281-732-2014 on a 24 hour 7 days a week basis.
Mario Jaimes
Operations Project Manager
King Solution Services, LLC
13221 Chrisman Rd
Houston, Texas 77039
Office:281-732-2014
kingsolutionservices@yahoo.com
Allan Negrete
Project Manager
King Solution Services, LLC
13221 Chrisman Rd
Houston, Texas 77039
Cell:832-812-4820
Allankingsolutions@yahoo.com
Noe Carreon
Superintendent
King Solution Services, LLC
13221 Chrisman Rd
Houston, Texas 77039
Cell:713-480-5293
Freezing Weather Notification
Winter weather and freezing temperatures are expected this week across Texas. The National Weather Service is forecasting widespread freezing temperatures on Friday and Saturday mornings. Residents should closely monitor media and the National Weather Service for updates to the forecast. We wanted to assure you that the teams at Inframark are monitoring and working diligently in preparation for a freezing weather event to safeguard your facilities. It is also important that you take action as well in protecting the “Four P’s”: People, pets, pipes and plants.
People
- Keep warm, stay inside if possible.
- If you need to go out, dress in layers and wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat.
- Avoid overexertion, as cold weather puts added strain on your body.
Pets
- Bring pets inside, and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
- Keep adequate food and water available.
Pipes
- Disconnect outdoor hoses, drain and store in protected area.
- Wrap exposed faucets and pipes – including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas.
Plants
- Bring potted plants inside or store in garage near interior wall to provide extra warmth and protection from wind.
- For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and consider covering with a cloth fabric of some kind to shield the plants from wind and frost.
Additionally, if you have an irrigation system, turn off the water to the system at your backflow preventer and then drain the system so your irrigation pipes and sprinkler heads are not damaged.
The following sites can also be used as a source of information and to keep you updated:
Where you can learn more:
- Forecasts: National Weather Service Houston-Galveston
- Winter Weather Safety: National Weather Service
- Local Road Conditions: Houston TranStar
- State Road Conditions: DriveTexas.org
- Space Heater Safety: National Fire Protection Association
Stay safe and stay warm.
Severe Weather Warning
During the freezing weather conditions, if you see a waterline break in the community, please call EDP’s Customer Service at 832-467-1599.
As it pertains to dripping faucets, we are advising our residents and customers NOT to drip their faucets. This could cause a dip in water pressure at your facility. Should you have any questions, please call EDP’s customer service at 832-467-1599.