Fort Worth is proud to carry the designation of Superior Public Water System. The designation is about the overall water system operation and not just the quality of the drinking water, though that is important. Factors related to staffing, maintenance, appearance of facilities, treatment, pumping and storage capacity are key considerations.
If you want the precise details, below is a complete list of the requirements set forth by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
30 TAC §290.47(a) - APPENDIX A
Requirements
Public water supply systems which achieve and maintain recognition must exceed the minimum acceptable standards of the commission in these sections.
(1) To attain recognition as a “Superior Public Water System”, the following additional requirements must be met:
- (A) Physical facilities shall comply with the requirements in these sections.
- (B) There shall be a minimum of two certified operators with additional operators required for larger systems.
- (C) The system’s microbiological record for the previous 24 months period shall indicate no violations (frequency, number or MCL) of the drinking water standards.
- (D) The quality of the water shall comply with all primary water quality parameters listed in the drinking water standards.
- (E) The chemical quality of the water shall comply with all secondary constituent levels listed in the drinking water standards.
- (F) The system’s operation shall comply with applicable state statutes and minimum acceptable operating practices set forth in §290.46 of this title (relating to Minimum Acceptable Operating Practices for Public Drinking Water Supplies).
- (G) The system’s capacities shall meet or exceed minimum water system capacity requirements set forth in §290.45 of this title (relating to Minimum Water System Capacity Requirements).
- (H) The system shall have at least two wells, two raw water pumps or a combination of these with enough capacity to provide average daily consumption with the largest well or pump out of service. This requirement shall also apply to treatment plant pumps necessary for operation in accordance with §290.42 of this title (relating to Water Treatment).
- (I) The water system shall be well maintained and the facilities shall present a pleasing appearance to the public.
Signs
Systems which have met the requirements for recognition as a superior or approved system may put up signs denoting this honor.
Inspections
To receive or maintain recognition as a superior water system, the system must be inspected and evaluated by commission personnel as to physical facilities, appearance and operation. Systems which fail to meet the above requirements in this section will be denied recognition or will have their recognition revoked. The signs shall be immediately removed on notice from the executive director.