Press release
At the City Council meeting on Monday, March 28, City Manager Philip Rodriguez announced that earlier that day, the City received confirmation that it was in full compliance with state drinking water regulations. This news came as a result of recent water testing by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Prior to the most recent testing, the City’s running annual average had exceeded the maximum contaminant level for a group of disinfection byproducts known as haloacetic acids (HAA5) at one of the city’s four sampling points.
“I’m pleased to report to the residents of Athens that our drinking water meets the strict standards set forth by the state,” said Managing Director of Administrative Services Ryan Adams. “Water is our number one priority. With the support of the City Council, staff took an aggressive, layered approach toward reducing the HAA5 levels in our water. Our goal is to continue to strengthen our system to ensure high-quality water for our residents far into the future.”
To stay in compliance, the Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA) for all testing sites within the city must be below .060 micrograms per milliliter. In late 2015, two of the City’s four testing sites were above that threshold. While one site returned to compliance in November 2016, the last site remained out of compliance with an LRAA of .062. Testing at the same location in late February showed an LRAA of .056, fully bringing the City into compliance with TCEQ.
According to the City of Athens, it will continue to pursue activities that will further lower the HAA5 levels including maximizing the use of well water, working with engineering consultants to plan for needed improvements to the water system, and studying potential improvements to the surface water treatment plant process.
Residents with questions regarding City of Athens water quality are encouraged to contact Philip Rodriguez or Ryan Adams at 903-675-5131.