Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Public Works | Water
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Yes! Our drinking water meets and exceeds all Federal and State drinking water requirements and our water systems are operated by State Certified operators. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is responsible for overseeing the state’s environmental areas, which includes the City of Sugar Land’s water quality. City staff and the TCEQ collects and analyzes water samples for metals, minerals, organic compounds, disinfectant byproduct compounds, and radiological compounds. The TCEQ has rated Sugar Land as having a “Superior” water system, its highest rating. In addition to TCEQ-required daily process control samples taken at the water plants and system entry points, the City of Sugar Land has certified operators that perform over 85 bacteriological tests monthly in its distribution system and collects quality assurance / quality control samples at least once a week.Public Works | Water
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Public Works | Water
Historically, the majority of the city’s drinking water supply has been from groundwater aquifers. There are twelve city groundwater plants ranging in size from approximately 3 to 12 million gallons per day (MGD) of production capacity. The water in these aquifers is from the Gulf Coast Aquifer system with an average depth of greater than 1,200 feet.
In response to Fort Bend Subsidence District’s (FBSD) 30 percent alternative water supply conversion deadline, the city constructed a 10.85-MGD surface water treatment plant (SWTP) that went into operation in 2013. The city has three sources of water available to supply the SWTP with surface water. The city holds a contract with the Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA), who delivers raw water from the Brazos River to Oyster Creek. The contract with GCWA provides 10 MGD (11,201 AFY) of raw water, and an agreement to purchase an additional 10 MGD for future needs. The city also has a contract with the Brazos River Authority (BRA) for 6,388 AFY of raw water. Finally, the city holds a water right on Oyster Creek which allows the City to withdraw 18,000 acre-feet per year (AFY).
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Although we don't recommend this since the TCEQ has rated Sugar Land as having a “Superior” water system, its highest rating, you may contact a private laboratory for individual analysis of your water. Labs are listed in the yellow pages. The City continually performs water quality testing in accordance with State and Federal regulations. We are unable to provide testing on an individual basis.Public Works | Water
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Public Works | Water
The homeowner is responsible for the pipes within the house, as well as the water service line from the house to the water meter box. If you think you have a leak, please call us first to request a leak investigation. You may contact 311 or our 24-hour line at 281-275-2900.
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Public Works | Water
If you notice a leak or discharge of water, whether it is in the street, from a meter, or a hydrant please call 311 or the city's 24-hour line at 281-275-2900 and a crew will be dispatched to investigate the situation and take appropriate actions.
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You can turn the water off inside your home / building at the main valve. The main valve is generally located where the water service enters the house / building. You should maintain this valve so it is easily accessed in case of an emergency. If you cannot turn your water off, and need emergency assistance, please call our 24-hour line at 281-275-2450.Public Works | Water
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Several things can temporarily cause reduced water pressure in your home:Public Works | Water
- Plugged or restricted screens on your faucets
- Malfunctioning or partially closed water valves in your home
- Water main breaks, firefighting, and hydrant flushing may affect the pressure
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The presence of air bubbles may cause your water to appear white or cloudy. You can identify the problem as air by filling a glass with water. If the cloudiness rises from the bottom to the top of the glass, it is most likely air. This air is caused by seasonal temperature changes in the water.Public Works | Water
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The white deposits or dots are calcium and magnesium in our water (hardness). These are naturally occurring minerals and do not pose a health risk. To remove the residue, try wiping or soaking the object with vinegar. Commercial products can also be used to remove the residue that has built up on glassware.Public Works | Water
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The range for the Sugar Land is 34-211 parts per million or 2.0 – 12.3 grains per gallon.Public Works | Water
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“White chunks” or eggshell-like particles that clog faucet aerators and showerheads are actually pieces of plastic from hot water heaters that are experiencing dip tube failure. There are two solutions to this problem:Public Works | Water
- Flush all the dip tube debris from the heater tank, install a new dip tube, and then clean all the strainers and aerators.
- Replace the water heater and then clean and flush the strainers and aerators. Contact a licensed plumber for additional information.
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The rusty tint is caused by iron that is naturally occurring in water. Sudden changes in the system, such as when a fire hydrant is opened, can stir up the iron sediments that have been built on pipes and cause temporary discoloration. If you have rusty water, please call the 24-hour line at 281-275-2450 and a crew will be sent to investigate within the hour. City crews will flush the lines through fire hydrants during the year to minimize the buildup of sediments in pipes, which helps reduce chances of discolored water.Public Works | Water
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No. The color of our hydrants is designed to allow it to stand out from its surroundings and make it easily identified by fire fighters. Also, the color on the top of the hydrant identifies the flow that can be expected from that particular hydrant.Public Works | Water
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These paint marks are probably placed by utility locating crews, and they identify the location of underground utilities for scheduled excavation. Red indicates electric, orange indicates telephone or cable TV, yellow indicates gas, blue indicates water, and green indicates sewer.Public Works | Water
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Yes. The City adjusts the fluoride that is naturally occurring to 0.7 parts per million (ppm) which is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended level.Public Works | Water