Frequently Asked Questions

Brown or yellow water is caused by leaching of oxidized iron in cast water mains. The water at such time is harmless although aesthetically unpleasant. If citizen experiences discolor water please call 936-294-5700 for assistance.

The musty or earthy taste and odor is caused by an algae bloom at the lake. Texas lakes are prone to a blue green algae bloom around July and August, which creates problems in the treatment process. The algae is removed during the treatment process but leaves behind the odor and taste problems experienced by customers.

The water is treated at the HRWS (TRA) plant with activated carbon to aid in the control this harmless nuisance. Customers often ask City forces to flush fire hydrants in an effort to control this problem. The odor and poor taste clears as the algae levels slowly return to normal.

White or milky looking water is caused by air. The milky appearance is the result of millions of small air bubbles released into the water by cooler water temperatures on air trapped in the the distribution system. If a glass of this discolored water stands for a short period of time, the air will migrate to the top of the glass then dissipate.

If the material looks or feels like a plastic product, it is the dip tube located in the hot water heater. Many plastic dip tubes deteriorate with time and must be replaced. It is recommended that a licensed plumber perform this task. This became a common problem when manufactures began using plastic dip tubes some years ago.

If the particles do not appear to be plastic and crumble easily in your hand, they are from mineral build up in the hot water heater. As water is heated the minerals such as calcium and magnesium cling together and settle out of the water into the bottom of the hot water heater. Flush the heater periodically to rid it of these particles.

When water is boiled, calcium in the water is dissipated from the water which then clings to the surface in which it is boiled.

Current Federal Law requires notification to all franchise utilities before excavating. A 48 hour notice is required for line locations. In an emergency when safety or property damage is an immediate concern, line location may be secured in 2 hours, but most repairs are not classified as emergencies. Leaks are prioritized with large impact leaks and emergencies taking precedent over small nuisance leaks.

Fire hydrants are flushed for numerous reasons. Hydrants are opened to flush the system when water appears discolored, has an odor, or to remove air from the system.

Hydrants are often left open after a water main repair to relieve excessive pressure build up as the system is re-pressurized.

The valve located in the meter box is property of the Utility Division and is easily damaged by those not acquainted with its operation. Customers may call 936-291-5439 for water cut-off and reconnect at the City meter box.

During normal working hours Utilities personnel can often make a cut-off or reconnect within 1 hour of notification. During off hours this will take longer than during normal operating hours.

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The City of Huntsville does not maintain a free chlorine residual in the drinking water. The City of Huntsville uses chloramines for water disinfection, leaving a chloromines residue behind for secondary disinfection of water in the distribution system.

In other words there is a chloromines product in the water which is available to disinfect anything that might enter the system after initial treatment. Chlorine alone was found to bind with other materials to produce a by-product considered to be carcinogenic in nature.

Chloramines are formed by combining chlorine and ammonia before injection into the water. This combination stabilizes the chlorine so that carcinogens are not formed and allows the combination to last much longer in the system for secondary disinfection.

Although there is natural fluoride in the raw water, additional fluoride is added by the City of Huntsville during treatment. The fluoride is added for the prevention of tooth decay in young children.

Quarterly the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality provides the City of Huntsville with a chemical analysis report reflecting the previous Quarter's averages. This report is available by mail, fax or a customer may pick one up in person by calling 936-294-5700.

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Your sprinkler meter can be put on vacation for a period of time during the year when you do not need it, usually during the winter months, or it can be placed on vacation permanently if you choose not to use it at all.

There is a $20 service fee for the City Personnel to turn off and lock up the meter, but while the meter is off and locked, your account is not charged the minimum monthly charge (based on meter size). When you wish to use the meter again, just call and we will unlock and turn it back on. There is another $20 service fee for the service personnel to unlock and turn the meter back on.

Some residential customers may choose not to utilize a sprinkler meter at all. If so, the meter may be left off and locked permanently. It depends on your preference and water usage habits whether to utilize a separate sprinkler meter or not.

Due to the City's method of charging sewer based on each residential customer's winter usage (when the majority of customers are not watering outside), many residential customers find it unnecessary to have a separate meter. Customers who water year-round choose to have a separate sprinkler meter.

99.9% of the time sink stoppages are internal problems and need to be taken care of by the residents. Grease is a major factor of sink stoppages. Putting fats, oils and grease (FOG) into sealed containers that are placed in a solid waste receptacle instead of down the drain can drastically reduce sink stoppages in a resident and stoppages in main sewer lines in your area.

There are over 150 miles of water main, 1,200 fire hydrants, and 9,500 water meters.