Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR)
Information about Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Unregulated Contaminants
The EPA uses the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to collect data for contaminants that are suspected to be present in drinking water and do not have regulatory standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The EPA established Minimum Reporting Limits (MRLs) for various contaminants. The CLCWA was chosen as a location for testing. The monitoring provides the EPA and other interested parties with nationally representative data on the occurrence of contaminants in drinking water, the number of people potentially being exposed, and an estimate of the levels of that exposure. This data can support future regulatory determinations and other actions to protect public health. These levels are set for monitoring purposes and have not been established as a level of a contaminant in drinking water at which there is a known or expected risk to health.
As of April 10, 2024, the EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) and established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) (The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water, (set as close to the MCL Goal as feasible, below which there is no known or expected risk to health)) for six PFAS. Information available at https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
The CLCWA has sampling results that show 8 PFAS that are at or exceed the established MRL. Of the 8, 2 PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) meet or exceed the established MCL. The CLCWA provides approximately 98% of purchased surface water from the City of Houston’s Southeast Water Purification Plant (SEWPP). Public water systems have five years (by 2029) to implement solutions that reduce any PFAS that testing show that drinking water levels exceed these MCLs. The CLCWA will continue to monitor any processes implemented by the City of Houston as they continue closely studying the results and preparing for solutions to best find, control, remove and prevent PFAS contamination. Information available at https://www.houstonpublicworks.org/sites/g/files/nwywnm456/files/005-pfas_faq.pdf
Sampling results for U.S. EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) are available to the public (approximately quarterly) via EPA's UCMR Occurrence Data webpage and National Contaminant Occurrence Database (NCOD) at https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/occurrence-data-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule. UCMR 5 requires monitoring for 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lithium.
The results will also be included in the yearly CCRs published by the CLCWA on July 1.
Conservation Tips
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What is stormwater?Stormwater is rain that travels down gutters into the storm drains, flowing directly into waterways such as bayous, lakes and Galveston Bay. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent storm water runoff from naturally soaking into the ground. Dumping materials into storm drains has chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. It is never treated, so everything stormwater collects as it travels through storm drains end up in local waterways.
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What is the difference between a stormwater drainage system and a sewer system?The sanitary sewer system collects household wastewater from toilets, showers, and sinks. The wastewater is sent to a facility where it is first treated before being released back into the environment. Stormwater is not treated since it is intended for rain runoff only and flows directly to waterways.
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What is the purpose of a storm drain system?A storm drain system’s purpose is to prevent flooding of streets and highways by quickly and efficiently transferring rainwater into our bayous, creeks, rivers, and Galveston Bay. After the water has filled up waterways, then the streets are designed to handle the overflow, to try and prevent flood damage to property.
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How serious is the problem of stormwater quality?Very serious. The contaminated stormwater can affect vegetation, wildlife, aquatic life, and restrict swimming areas. For example: Health: Stormwater pollution poses a serious health risk to people swimming or fishing in our local bayous, lakes, etc. Environment: Countless marine plants and animals living in our local waterways may become sick or die from contact with stormwater pollution. Neighborhoods: Clogged storm drains significantly decrease the quality of life in many neighborhoods throughout the city and county. These “nests” of trash and debris can attract rats and cockroaches and create foul odors affecting neighborhood aesthetics and property values. It also creates the potential for local flooding during heavy rain events.
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What can you put down the storm drains?Local ordinances and regulations prohibit anything other than uncontaminated rainwater from entering the storm drain system. Under Chapter 47-741(a) of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, “A person commits an offense if the person threatens to introduce, introduces or causes to be introduced into the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) any discharge that is not composed entirely of storm water.”
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How should I properly dispose of oil, tires, and batteries?Oil can be taken to our oil recycling drop-off point located at 17507 El Camino Real. From El Camino Real, turn onto Beacon Road and drive towards the water storage tank. Please leave the used oil in a sealed container (to prevent spills) and outside the gate in the visibly marked concrete box. Please do not drop off any other chemicals, liquids, or other items that need disposal. CLCWA is only able to recycle oil at this time. Check with your local hardware stores about recycling batteries. Businesses where you buy car batteries or tires usually recycle or properly dispose of these items.
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How does pet waste left on the grass affect storm water?Pet waste can be picked up by rain as it travels down the storm drain, carrying with it bacteria and other harmful materials into waterways. When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method.
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Why are grass clippings harmful to storm water?Yard waste contributes nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, which cause unwanted and uncontrolled growth of algae and aquatic weeds. Grass clippings also clog storm sewer drains, contributing to flooding.
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What lawn care precautions can I take?Don’t overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. Consider using organic products when possible and use chemicals in the recommended amounts. Compost or mulch yard waste. Don’t leave yard waste in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams. Cover piles of mulch or dirt being used for landscaping projects.
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Who do I call if I see someone dumping oil or other hazardous materials down a storm drain?You can call the Clear Lake City Water Authority (CLCWA) at 281-488-1164. CLCWA overlaps into 5 other cities including Taylor Lake Village, Webster, Pasadena, Houston and La Porte. City of Houston: 3-1-1, the Anonymous City of Houston Neighborhood Protection Complaint line City of Houston Environmental Health Information and Industrial Discharge line at 713-640-4399 Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services can also be contacted at 713-920-2831
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Is it okay to sweep or water down dirt, grass, and/or other natural elements down the storm drain?Actually dirt can clog spawning areas for fish and cover the water channel floor resulting in fish food being covered and the fish unable to sustain life.
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Is it okay to wash my paintbrushes out in the gutter?No. Paint can be toxic to aquatic life by interfering with breathing, plant growth, and reproduction. Rinse paintbrushes out in the sink.
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What about car washing?Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground. Use a biodegradable soap sparingly.
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What can I do to make a difference at home?You can make a difference in storm water quality by simply changing a few practices at home. Here are some easy steps: Use less harsh, safer, cleaning alternatives. Please see this Cleaning Alternatives Guide. Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, batteries, paint, solvents, used motor oil and other car fluids. Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters. Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams. Vegetate bare spots in your yard. Compost your yard waste. Use the least toxic pesticides possible, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems. Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider a rain garden to capture runoff. Take your car to the carwash instead of washing it in the driveway, or wash your car on the lawn. Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil. Pick up your pet waste; flush it in the toilet or bag it.
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Where can I get more information?Harris County Clean Waterways: http://www.cleanwaterways.org Water Environment Federation (WEF): https://www.wef.org/search/?q=stormwater Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater http://www.epa.gov/nps/ Disclaimer: Links to and information about Web sites outside the CLCWA are provided solely for the convenience of the user and do not constitute an official endorsement of the information, products, or services contained therein.
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Information obtained from:Harris County Clean Waterways: http://www.cleanwaterways.org Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): http://www.epa.gov Disclaimer: Links to and information about Web sites outside the CLCWA are provided solely for the convenience of the user and do not constitute an official endorsement of the information, products, or services contained therein.
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What causes high bacteria levels in water?Stormwater runoff that picks up contaminants along the way from leaking septic tanks, sewage, livestock agriculture pollution, pet/animal wastes, or dead and decaying animals. Ways you can help. Reduce the amount of runoff from your own yard. o Connect rain barrels to your gutters and use that to water your lawn or garden. o Consider a rain garden/grassy swale or the use of pervious pavers for your walkway/decorative pad site. These will allow water to soak through into the soil instead of unfiltered directly into our waterways. o Install a vegetation strip of native grass / plants along roadways or near streams. They act as a natural filter to trap the pollutants stormwater picks up as it flows across lawns, driveways, and streets. o Redirect downspouts so that rainwater flows into grass /plants instead of a driveway or sidewalk. o Consider Installing a dry well in your yard to capture excess runoff. · Properly dispose of Pet Waste Pet waste can carry high levels of harmful E. coli bacteria and other pathogens, when washed into storm drains then our recreational and commercially fished waterways, that could cause public health risks. o When walking your dog, carry a plastic bag with you so that you can pick up the waste to properly dispose of it. By either flushing it (not in the bag) or throwing it in the trash.