Northeast Service Area Temporarily Switching Water Source
(9/11/12)
Yesterday, SAWS began receiving taste and odor complaints in the far northeast service area formerly served by BexarMet (see map). After investigating, it was determined that the taste and odors were the result of an algae bloom in Lake Dunlap, which is water being provided to the far northeast area through the Canyon Regional Water Authority (CRWA). SAWS immediately began switching the water supplied to the far northeast service area over to Edwards Aquifer water.
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| Click on map to enlarge. |
Although the concerns were limited to taste and odor, the water from Lake Dunlap is still safe to drink. SAWS is making the temporary switch in an effort to be proactive. Once CRWA is able to correct algae issues with Lake Dunlap, SAWS will return this service area back to water from the lake.
"SAWS will work very closely with CRWA to monitor this situation. Once we're confident that any potential issues have been resolved, we will return this area back to Lake Dunlap water," said Steve Clouse, SAWS chief operating officer and senior vice president. "While SAWS customers in the northeast area may notice a temporary change in the taste or smell of their drinking water, we want to assure everyone that the water will continue to be safe to drink."
As the temporary switch requires a change in the method of disinfection, SAWS is notifying hospitals and dialysis centers that they should test the water to determine if different treatment measures are needed during this time. In addition, people or businesses that keep live fish may also need to test to determine if different water treatment is needed.
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