Pharr Tap Delivers

Tap Water

Public Health
In a world where an estimated 3 million people die every year from preventable waterborne disease, water systems such as the Pharr Water System allow us to drink from virtually any public tap with a high assurance of safety. A safe water supply is critical to protecting the public-the first obligation of all water suppliers.

Fire Protection
A well maintained water system is critical in protecting our communities from the ever-present threat of fire. The ability to provide water for fire protection heavily influences new construction, business location decisions and insurance rates.

Support for the Economy
A safe, reliable water supply is central to the economic success of our communities. Tap water is critical to the day-to-day operations of existing businesses and to the viability of new commercial and residential developments.

Quality of Life
Tap is more than a convenience; it is central to our everyday lives!

The Value of Water Service

We are all beneficiaries of the incredible system of water treatment plants, pump stations, and water and sewer pipes that was handed down to us by generations before. Yet because our water infrastructure has lasted so long, we haven’t had to worry about the expense of replacing it.

However, in the next few years, much of the system is going to need to be upgraded or replaced. We can therefore be sure that tap water service will cost more in the future than it does today.

In addition to age, there are several other factors that are influencing water infrastructure costs: growing populations require additional infrastructure and expansion of water and sewer treatment plants, new regulations designed to further improve public health protection may require additional infrastructure, and in the post -9/11 era, we have to be increasing vigilant about protecting water infrastructure and supplies.

We are at a turning point. It’s time for our community to reinvest in our drinking water infrastructure so we can hand it on to our children and grandchildren. When you consider the critical needs addressed by water services, tap water will always be a tremendous bargain. You simply cannot put a price on a service that delivers public health, fire protection, development and quality of life.

Information about your Drinking Water

Drinking water for the City of Pharr is surface water and is obtained from the Rio Grande River located in Hidalgo County (HCID#2)

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells.  As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.

The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk.  More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPAs Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

Microbial contaminants –  such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

Inorganic contaminants – such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

Pesticides and herbicides – which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.

Organic chemical contaminants – including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants – which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Contaminants may be found in drinking water that may cause taste, color, or odor problems.  These types of problems are not necessarily causes for health concerns.  For more information on taste, odor, or color of drinking water, please contact the system’s business office.

You may be more vulnerable than the general population to certain microbial contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, in drinking water.  Infants, some elderly, or immunocompromised persons such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer; persons who have undergone organ transplants; those who are undergoing treatment with steroids; and people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, can be particularly at risk from infections. You should seek advice about drinking water from your physician or health care providers.  Additional guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We are responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but we cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at  http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead

TCEQ Issues Drought Advisories To Public Water Systems

“Surface water conditions have worsened and river stream flows continue to show a decline in portions of the state”, said Glenn Shankle, executive director for TCEQ. “Now is the time to act to ensure continued, adequate water supplies for all of Texas.” The City of Pharr will continue to enforce its Water Conservation Mandatory Ordinance (No. O-2024-18, § 1,5-20-2024) and are encouraging residents to please do their part and conserve water.

Save on Your Water Bill  – Conserve Water

• Install a low flow showerhead that limits the flow from the shower to less than three gallons per minute.
• Never water on a windy days
• Water Lawns early in the morning during the summer; otherwise, much of the water can simply evaporate.
• Use a car wash that recycles water.
• Fix leaking pipes, faucets, and toilets.
• Don’t leave the water running when you are not using it.
• Taller grass holds moisture better! Keep grass 3 inches tall during the summer.

Are you Paying For More Water Than You Need?

Leaking Toilet-50 gallons per day/350 gallons per week/18,200 gallons per year-your cost per year-$31.49

15 minute Shower W/Insufficient Shower Head-45 gallons per shower/315 Gallons per week/16,380 per year-your cost per year-$28.34

Dripping Faucet-186,000 gallons per year-your cost per year-$321.78

Total Wasted-$381.61

Public Participation

To learn more about the enclosed table call Mr. Manuel Ponce (Water Treatment Supervisor), Ms. Aryzbeth Saldana (Lab Manager), or Mr. Jesse Trejo (Superintendent of Operations) at (956) 402-4302. Learn more ways to conserve water by picking up a conservation pamphlet at the Water Billing Dept. at 118 S Cage, 1st floor.

Backflow Device Required on Lawn Irrigation Systems

In accordance with Ordinance No. O-2009-24, § 1, 7-21-09, a backflow assembly device must be attached to all lawn irrigation sprinkler systems connected to the City of Pharr water distribution system. Backflow devices counteract back pressure or prevent back siphonage into the distribution system. The backflow device must be installed and inspected by a certified backflow tester and the device must be tested annually. For more information on the above ordinances, contact Omahar Badillo  (Meter Reader Supervisor) at (956) 402-4300.

WATER PROBLEMS OR SEWER PROBLEMS?

Call (956) 402-4300 Monday-Friday After 5:00 pm call 956-402-4444 Weekends call 956-402-4444 

WHY CONSERVE? 

According to the Texas State Water Plan, Texas’ population is projected to increase 90% by 2050 and total municipal water demand is projected to increase 67% by 2050. Even with the 13.5% water saving projected from conservation in the next fifty years, water supply from existing sources will meet only 75% of the projected water demand by 2050. We must use our precious water resources more efficiently or we will have more frequent and more severe water shortages, especially during droughts and periods of peak demand (like hot Texas summers!). Using water more efficiently will not only save money, but more importantly, will help protect the quality of life of future generations.

The cost of new or renovated water infrastructure wastewater treatment and water supply is estimated to be $107 billion over the next fifty years. Each of us together can save billions of tax dollars by making our households water smart. We must take on the responsibility of efficient water use now. (Top Water Smart Tips pamphlet by the Texas Water Development Board) 

Did you Know… 

Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Operators and Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operators have to be licensed by the State. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires that all WTP and WWTP operators be licensed within a year of employment by passing a mandatory state exam and must upgrade their licenses within two years by passing another mandatory state exam. WTP and WWTP operators must also have continuous education classes throughout their careers to keep their licenses.