Tap Water Q&A: Common Issues, Causes, Remedies & What Elderville Does to Keep Water Safe
Q1: Why is my tap water discolored (yellow, brown, or red)?
A: Discolored water is often caused by rust or sediment being stirred up in the lines—this can happen after a pressure change or routine hydrant flushing. It can also result from iron or manganese in older plumbing.
What you can do:
- Run a cold tap for 2–3 minutes until the water clears.
- Avoid washing laundry until the water returns to normal.
- If it doesn't clear up, call our office and we’ll inspect the line.
Q2: Why does my water taste metallic, bitter, or salty?
A: Unusual tastes are usually from chlorine (used to disinfect the water), natural minerals, or corrosion in plumbing. Sometimes, during warmer months, algae in the source water can cause taste variations.
What you can do:
- Let the water sit in an open pitcher for 10–15 minutes to let chlorine evaporate.
- If you prefer, install an NSF-certified carbon filter to improve taste.
Q3: My water smells like rotten eggs or musty dirt—what’s going on?
A: That odor may come from hydrogen sulfide (a natural gas from organic matter), seasonal algae growth, or stagnant water in dead-end mains with low disinfectant levels.
What you can do:
- Run cold water for a minute or two to flush your service line.
- Routine maintenance and annual flushing of your water heater will aid in preventing these smells.
- If the smell continues, give us a call so we can investigate and flush the nearby system if needed.
Q4: What is Elderville Water Supply doing to ensure my water stays safe and meets regulations?
A: Elderville Water Supply follows strict Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) guidelines and goes above and beyond in the following ways:
✅ Routine Flushing
- We regularly flush hydrants to clear sediment and maintain chlorine levels in the system.
✅ Frequent Lab Testing
- Dozens of samples are collected each month from wells, treatment facilities, and distribution lines.
- Samples are tested in state-certified labs for bacteria, chlorine levels, turbidity, nitrates, metals, and more.
✅ Real-Time Monitoring
- Automated sensors continuously monitor water quality (pH, chlorine, flow rates), with alerts to operators for any issues.
✅ Infrastructure Maintenance
- Aging pipes are inspected, lined, or replaced.
- We conduct leak detection and repair breaks quickly to avoid contamination.
✅ Full TCEQ Compliance
- Daily chlorine monitoring
- Monthly testing for bacteria (coliform and E. coli)
- Scheduled testing for metals, nitrates, volatile organics, and more
- All test results are reported to TCEQ electronically
Q5: Where can I find detailed water quality results?
A: Our annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is published every year by July 1. It contains detailed testing results, explanations of any contaminants found, and overall water source info.
View it online:
eldervillewsc.com/documents/1052/CCR_2024.pdf
Or request a printed copy by calling:
903-643-2692
Still have questions or ongoing issues?
Call us anytime at 903-643-2692. We're committed to delivering safe, clean, great-tasting water—every tap, every time.
