FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2016

Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008

Potential for Discolored Water

Houston, TX - The City's Public Works and Engineering Department has notified the District E office of potential discolored water issues in Kingwood over the next three days.
 
To maintain compliance with the Lone Star subsidence permit, the City will be turning off two wells in Montgomery County. The closing of these two wells may cause changes in flow direction, disturbing sediments and causing the water to take on color. The neighborhoods potentially affected are located in the Northwest part of Kingwood near the Montgomery County line. This area includes, but is not limited to: The Barrington, Kingwood Lakes, Trailwood Village, Kingwood Place, Woodland Hills, Kingwood Lakes, Kings Forest, Bear Branch, Hunters Ridge, Sherwood Trails, Elm Grove, and Mills Branch.
 
Please remember:
  • The water in Kingwood comes from wells, which are naturally cleaner than lake water, however this means it is also rich in minerals such as iron and manganese, which if stirred up by changes in water flow, main breaks or water hammer can cause the color issues.
  • The water from the wells is crystal clear and tested daily.  The water from the storage tanks is also crystal clear and tested daily in accordance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) rules and regulations.
  • The water color has only been found in the transmission mains and tests find it to be within the legal limits.
  • Severn Trent flushes dead-end lines every month to prevent buildup of sediments in the pipes at 100 different locations in Kingwood. In the past week, Severn Trent increased flushing on an as needed basis to remove discolored water from the system.
 
To facilitate removal of sediment from your household plumbing:
  • Turn on the COLD water in your household tub and allow it to run until it is clear.
  • Flushing the hose bib outside of your home WILL NOT clear your internal plumbing.
  • Running the hot water BEFORE your system has been flushed with cold water may allow the sediment to build up in your home's water heater.
Contact City of Houston's 3-1-1 system by calling (713) 837-0311  to report each individual instance of discoloration. It is important for every resident to report their own discoloration issues as the City uses this information to map the occurrences throughout the affected area. Should you need additional information please  contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at [email protected].

 
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