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BARTON CREEK WEST WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION
P.O. BOX 1220
Dripping Springs, TEXAS 78620
512/280-6622
Water and Wastewater Utility Service Customer
Information Sheet
This Information Sheet has been prepared to provide current and future water and wastewater utility service customers with pertinent information about the Barton Creek West Water Supply Corporation water and wastewater systems. It is the desire of BCWWSC for each homeowner and/or retail customer to have a basic understanding and sufficient working knowledge of how the utility systems operate in an effort to have each customer be aware of the factors that may cause potential problems for individual houses. The information piece is not intended to be alarmist but educational so that you can take practical measures to maintain your homeowner plumbing and minimize the potential for catastrophic failures. In that regard, please be advised of the following:
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Barton Creek West development and its associated water and wastewater utility system infrastructure were constructed in 1984. Construction and sale of homes began shortly thereafter.
BCWWSC owns and operates the potable water utility system that serves all of the homes within the community. Potable water is purchased on a wholesale basis from the West Travis County PUA and Regional Water System and then distributed and re-sold to individual customers on a retail basis.
BCWWSC owns and operates the wastewater collection treatment and disposal system under the terms and conditions of a Waste Disposal Permit issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Two (2) major components of this system, the wastewater treatment plant and treated effluent holding pond, and irrigation fields are readily visible near the entrance of Barton Creek West and on Bee Cave Road.
WATER SYSTEM INFORMATION
WTCPUA delivers potable water to BCWWSC on a wholesale basis from its West Travis County Region Water System. This system serves a broad area that varies widely in geographic and topographic conditions. Due to these variations WTCPUA maintains relatively high pressures in the major water transmission mains in order to provide adequate pressure in the hardest to serve areas. Historically, WTCPUA delivery pressure to BCWWSC has ranged from 65 to 140 pounds per square inch (psi). This is roughly double what is considered to be desirable for delivery to individual homes and their associated plumbing and water using appliances. Further compounding the wholesale delivery pressure is the geography and topography of the Barton Creek West community. Pressures within the water distribution system vary from 40 psi in the highest areas to 150 psi on the lowest streets.
It is not possible or practical for BCWWSC to modulate the delivery pressure without an intricate and expensive system of large pressure reducing valves (PRV), storage tanks and booster pump stations. Rather, control of water pressure is the responsibility of each individual homeowner. This is generally achieved via the installation of an individual PRV on the water service line between the water meter and the point that the service line enters the house.
Water is delivered to individual houses via a system of water distribution pipes which are generally located in the streets of the neighborhood. These distribution pipes have been "tapped" for each house, and a service line installed to a water meter which is generally located slightly behind the curb. BCWWSC is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repairs of the water distribution system up to and including the water meter box and water meter. The homeowner is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of the yard line, the homeowner shut off valve, PRV and plumbing within the house.
Most homeowner water service lines have had a PRV installed on them. Since a vast majority of the houses were constructed in the late 80s and early 90s most, if not all, of the PRVs have been in service for 20 years or more.
A PRV is relatively simple in its design and operation. The primary operating components consist of a rubber diaphragm and spring which essentially "throttle back" the pressure to a desirable level. It is important to note that a PRV operates consistently while constantly under high pressure. Eventually, these components will wear out, leak or potentially fail under pressure.
Symptoms of a leaking or failing PRV may include any one or more of the following:
Noticeable increase in water flow or pressure in sink faucets, showers, etc.
Noticeable decrease in water flow or pressure in sink faucets, showers, etc.
"Hammering" or "singing" sounds coming from plumbing, water lines, or water using appliances within the house.
Leaking toilets or washing machine connections
Leaks in yard service lines or plumbing lines within the house.
If you notice any of these symptoms or other unusual changes in your water service and pressure, call a plumber without delay.
Another water service device that is the responsibility of the homeowner is the backflow preventer that separates the yard irrigation system from the house service line. This device may be located below ground or above ground. In both versions, the housing of the backflow preventer is usually made of brass. As such, the above ground facilities are prone to freezing during the occasional cold fronts and potentially inhibit water flow to the house. BCWWSC strongly recommends that you cover or wrap the backflow preventer with a freeze preventing material to avoid potential problems. Underground versions may or may not freeze depending on its depth and duration of sub-freezing temperatures.
WASTEWATER SERVICE INFORMATION
The BCWWSC wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system includes the following components:
Gravity collection lines located in the streets
Lift stations (3513 1/2 Barton Point Dr, 3107 1/2 Creeks Edge Pkwy, 2107 1/2 Cliffs Edge, and 9266 Scenic Bluff) and force mains
Wastewater treatment plant and effluent holding pond
Effluent irrigation system
In similar fashion to that of the water system, the wastewater collection lines have been "tapped" for service lines to each house. These service lines function via gravity flow and are not dependent on water pressure to function properly. However, these service lines are subject to potential clogs and backups. Clogs may be caused by a variety of reasons such as disposal of grease, oils, kitchen waste and excessive paper products via sink drains, disposals and toilets. Clogs may also be aggravated by cracks in the yard service line, invasion of tree roots and shrub roots into the yard service line or dislocation of the service line "tap" at the street collection line.
BCWWSC will check the house wastewater service lines via the insertion of a TV camera and pushing it through the pipe to create a photographic and video depiction of the condition of the line that will be provided to the homeowner. If the wastewater service line is clogged, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to hire a plumber to clean it out. If a clog is located in the juncture of the house service line with the collection line in the street, BCWWSC will remove the clog and repair the "tap" connection at no cost to the homeowner.
All of the foregoing is possible only if the homeowner signs a waiver form that allows BCWWSC contract operations personnel to enter your property to access the service line and holds BCWWSC harmless for any excavation on your property or damage to landscaping, curbs, sidewalks etc. This waiver form must be signed and delivered to BCWWSC and the homeowner must locate and expose the wastewater cleanout before the camera investigation of the service line is initiated.
PROBLEMS, LEAKS & EMERGENCIES
Water and wastewater utility systems and household plumbing systems contain components that have finite service lives. Deterioration and/or failure of any of these components, whether from old age, normal and/or excessive use, poor quality of materials or improper installation, may cause leaks, back-ups or, unfortunately, catastrophic failure.
Any of these conditions that occur from the street curb up to the house and within the house are the responsibility of the homeowner. In most cases, a plumber should be engaged to make the necessary repairs or install new fixtures. If you experience a catastrophic failure, call a plumber immediately.
Breaks or leaks in the water distribution pipe system located in the streets are the responsibility of BCWWSC to repair or replace. If you notice water bubbling up or pooling in locations where it normally would not be, please contact BCWWSC immediately at 512/280-6622, 24 hours/day 7 days/week so that the repair process can be initiated as soon as possible.
Likewise, if wastewater is coming out of manholes or lift stations or any other facilities that it should not be, contact BCWWSC immediately at 512/280-6622, 24 hours/day 7 days/week so that emergency procedures and repairs can be started quickly in order to minimize any potentially adverse impacts that could arise from such a situation.
We are proud of the BCWWSC water and wastewater utility systems and our ability to provide superior service in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Barton Creek West Water Supply Corporation
