After receiving test results in June of 2004 that suggested our water system might have difficulty meeting the MCL for the running annual average; the City contacted TCEQ and requested field help from their contracted provider. They provided this help through a field representative and the services of the Chief Engineer with the Texas Rural Water Association. Their suggestions and heightened quality control efforts by city employees provided some improvement but still left the city in need of a better solution.

In late January the Public Works Director along with the City’s engineering firm submitted a plan to the TCEQ to change disinfection procedures. This change is intended to benefit our customers by reducing the levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the system, while still providing protection from waterborne disease. This change will occur on or AFTER June 1, 2005. This delay will allow certain consumers with the following concerns adequate time to prepare for the changeover.

The change to chloramines can cause problems to persons dependent on dialysis machines. A condition known as hemolytic anemia can occur if the disinfectant is not completely removed from the water that is used for the dialysate.

Consequently, the pretreatment scheme used for the dialysis units must include some means, such as a charcoal filter, for removing the chloramine prior to this date. Medical facilities should also determine if additional precautions are required for other medical equipment.

In addition, chloraminated water may be toxic to fish. If you have a fish tank, please make sure that the chemicals or filters that you are using are designed for use in water that has been treated with chloramines. You may also need to change the type of filter that you use for the fish tank.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, 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 any questions concerning this notice, you may contact me, the City Administrator or the water department at (903) 842-3128.

John Whitsell, Mayor
City of Troup

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