TxWaterCo | Make Every Drop CountProviding water & wastewater service (830) 312-4600

WATER QUALITY FAQs

FAQ's related to water quality

Before calling, please try and have the following questions answered, so we can best determine the cause of your water quality issue:

  • How long has this been occurring?
  • Is there a color? What is the color?
  • Is there any sediment or rust? If there is residue, what does it look like?
  • Is there a smell? Does it smell like chlorine or rotten eggs?
  • Does the issue only occur when running hot or cold water?
  • Does the problem occur only when you are gone for extended periods?
  • Do you live at a dead-end or cul-de-sac?
  • Do you have filters or softeners? Is the device for your whole house or only for a specific faucet?
  • Is the issue occurring throughout the entire house or only at particular locations?
  • Have you observed recent construction in your area?
  • Do you have an irrigation system? If so, are you updated with your Backflow and Customer Service Inspections?
  • Have you experienced an increase in water usage that may indicate a leak?

Quick Reference Guide for Common Water Quality Issues:

IssuePossible CauseSolution

Cloudy / Milky Colored Water

  1. Air-saturated water in customer lines contacts
  2. Air-saturated water in distribution lines
  1. Aerator needs to be cleaned or replaced - flush lines for a short time only
  2. Contact US

Black Floating Particles

  1. Bad internal supply line (often braided stainless steel lines)
  2. Deterioration of toilet flapper valve
  1. Change supply line
  2. Replace flapper valve

Black Particles

Internally activated in-line charcoal filterBy-pass filter and call a service company

White Floating Particles

Deteriorating water heater dip tubeService water heater

Brown particles are uniform in size

Resin from the water softenerService water softener

Rust

  1. Bad internal supply line (often galvanized lines)
  2. Water main break
  1. Flush internal lines
  2. Contact Us

White or Light colored sediment

Hard water (calcium carbonate will precipitate when heated or frozen)Flush water heater regularly, every 6 months, to remove loose calcium carbonate.

Sand

  1. Calcium buildup in water heater
  2. Water softener malfunction
  3. Water main break
  1. Flush water heater
  2. Service water softener
  3. Contact Us

Low Pressure

Multiple factors can cause low pressure.See our Quick Reference Guide for Common Water Pressure Issues page for a complete list of possible causes and solutions.

Taste

Internal plumbing workFlush internal water lines

Odor

Odor coming from sink drainContact Sewage Provider/Septic Company

Frequently Asked Questions