Click image above for a larger map showing the West Travis County Regional Water System.

LCRA will adjust its treatment method for the West Travis County Regional Water System during the next four weeks, consistent with a common practice to maintain water quality in water systems.

LCRA is temporarily adjusting the disinfection method for the West Travis County Regional Water System. Between Sept. 20, 2007, and Oct. 15, 2007, LCRA will use chlorine rather than chloramines at the Uplands Water Treatment Plant in Bee Cave. Chloramines, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, are generally used to disinfect drinking water, however, it is common practice for water systems using chloramines to periodically switch to chlorine to maintain water quality throughout the system.

During the next four weeks, customers may notice a slight difference in the taste and smell of their tap water. While the taste and odor of chlorine may be more noticeable, the water remains safe to drink and continues to meet all state and federal standards. To minimize any chlorine taste and odor, you may keep an open pitcher of water in your refrigerator for drinking. The chlorine taste and odor will naturally dissipate as it sits in the pitcher.

As with all drinking water, people with special medical needs (such as immune deficiencies, organ transplant, chemotherapy patients and pregnant women) may want to consult their doctors to determine if any precautions need to be taken. Dialysis patients, fish owners (with fish aquariums or ponds), and local pet and aquarium supply stores, may need to make adjustments in the water they use during this period to remove chlorine.

LCRA also will conduct extensive flushing of water lines in the system. This flushing will take place at the beginning of this period to hasten the introduction of chlorine into the system and then again at the completion of the process to hasten the return of chloramines back into the system. Flushing could cause local discoloration of the water or taste and odor changes due to excessive air in the water lines or due to particulates that may get dislodged from the water system. This is part of the process and does not pose a health threat to customers.

The West Travis County Regional Water System serves a large area of western Travis and northern Hays Counties as indicated in the attached map. LCRA provides both retail and wholesale water services in this area.

For more information or to ask questions, contact LCRA’s customer service department at (512) 397-6766.