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1. Is the water meter read each month?

Yes, we read every water meter each month. Readings are entered into a handheld computer and downloaded daily to the mainframe computer.

2. Is my water bill high?

The water bill is not just for water, your bill generally consists of billing for:

• Refuse
• Sales tax (tax is applied to refuse charges per state law)
• Sewer
• Water

If you feel your water consumption is out of line, you may call 903-935-4435 and we will send a Customer Service Person out to re-read your meter and to see if the meter indicates you have a leak.

One of the more frequent reasons your water consumption may increase is leaks in small piping, joint leaks, or toilets that keep running. If you think you may have a silent leak in the toilet, we have free test tablets at the Water Billing Office located at 401 S Alamo.

3. When is my bill due?

You have 15 days from the billing date to pay your bill. A 10% penalty will be added to your account on the 16th day. A final reminder is then mailed and you have 15 more days to pay before your account is cut off. In cases where you may need a few more days to pay, please notify the Water Billing Office by calling 903-935-4435 before your scheduled cut off date and we can determine if an extension is appropriate.

4. Who provides refuse (garbage) and recycling service?

The City of Marshall has an exclusive franchise with Republic Services, Inc. for refuse and recycling services. The charge for this service is added to your monthly water and sewer bill. If your refuse was not picked up or you desire to be placed on the Wednesday free recycling schedule, or to report any other refuse or recycling issues, please call Allied Waste Services at 800-678-7274.

For a list of some recycling tips, visit our Recycling page.

5. How does the City of Marshall treat the drinking water?

The City of Marshall uses conventional water treatment process that includes:

• Coagulation
• Disinfection
• Filtration
• Sedimentation

Water treatment chemicals are added to the water to:

• Remove impurities
• Kill harmful bacteria
• Eliminate tastes and odors
• Help prevent tooth decay

All chemicals used are regulated and approved for use in drinking water. These chemicals include:

• Ammonia
• Caustic soda
• Chlorine
• Coagulant
• Fluoride
• Polyphosphate

6. Why does my water sometimes have a taste and odor?

All water has its own unique taste and odor characteristics. The City of Marshall, like many other water suppliers, occasionally experiences changes in taste and odor.

Algae and bacteria naturally found in surface waters can produce different types of tastes and odors. Geosim and 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) have been identified as odor-causing compounds and are detectable at levels as low as five parts per trillion (ppt or nanograms per liter). When conditions are favorable, the bacteria and certain blue-green algae produce a musty or earthy taste and odor.

Although these contaminants impact an unpleasant taste and odor, they do not have an established Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) nor pose any known health risk.

7. Why does my water appear cloudy or milky at times?

Cloudy water is often caused by dissolved oxygen being released from the water. Cold water can hold more oxygen than warm water. Water saturated with oxygen will release oxygen as it warms or as the pressure is released. This release makes water appear milky or cloudy, but it does not affect the safety of the water. The cloudiness usually will disappear in about 30 seconds.

8. Why does my water sometimes look brown or red?

Often your water is discolored because of pipeline breaks and repairs. The color comes from iron or mineral deposits inside the pipe that becomes dislodged during the repairs. If the color is due to line breaks, run the faucet until the water is clear.

If the water does not clear within several minutes, call the water and sewer emergency line at 903-935-4485 for assistance.

9. What is the white build-up on my faucet strainers?

The white build-up is calcium carbonate.

10. Does Marshall fluoridate the water?

The City of Marshall adds fluoride to the water based on a recommendation from the Texas Department of Health. Fluoridated water assists in preventing tooth decay. The target dosage for fluoride is 0.8 milligrams per liter (mg/l).

11. How do you know the water is safe to drink?

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires water treatment plants to continuously monitor the turbidity of the water and the chlorine residual at the plant. Distribution system samples are taken daily and analyzed for chlorine.

In addition, samples are also taken every month at designated locations throughout the City and analyzed for total coliform bacteria. These types of bacteria are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other potentially harmful bacteria may be present. Should the City detect a coliform bacteria during routine samples, extensive flushing, and disinfection procedures are performed and additional samples are taken and analyzed to ensure that no bacteria exist in the distribution system. When the samples are clear, the distribution system is placed back into normal operation.