2019 Water Analysis shows single excess contaminant

The City of Marlin 2019 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for the Public Water System was released on April 29, finding that Halogenic Acids were above accepted levels.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency requires community water systems to deliver a “Consumer Confidence Report”, also known as an annual drinking water quality report, to their customers. These reports provide citizens information about their local drinking water quality. There are federal standards that are provided to determine whether drinking water is safe for consumption.

The City of Marlin provides treated surface water from the Marlin City Lake to its customers. 

In the 2019 CCR, Halogenic Acids were the only contaminant to be above the accepted Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL.) The MCL for Halogenic acids is 60 parts per billion (ppb,) but the average level for 2019 was 65. In the full range of samples taken, levels ranged from 1.6 - 104 ppb.

Halogenic Acids are a group of organic compounds that may form due to chemical reactions with organic matter, naturally found in water, during the water treatment and disinfection process. 

Citizens received a  letter dated May 29 that shows that the contaminant levels for halogenic acid have not gone down, but in fact gone up. The compliance value for Quarter One of 2020 was found to be 0.074m/L or 74 ppb, which is 14 ppb above the MCL.

“Some people who drink water containing halogenic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have increased risk of cancer,” states the letter. “ You do not need to use an alternative water source.”

 “However, if you have health concerns, you may want to talk to your doctor to get more information about how this may affect you,” it continues.

To combat the issue, the City of Marlin and those working the Marlin Water Treatment Plant conducted a city wide chlorine conversion for April and are continuing to flush the area weekly. This means that instead of chloramine, the disinfectant normally used, chlorine was used to disinfect the water during the month of April. Citizens received a notice before the process began.

A chlorine conversion, also known as a “chlorine burn,” is used to remove excess ammonia from the water, which can allow excess microorganisms to grow. These microorganisms can contribute to higher levels of contaminants, as they may interact with added disinfectants. 

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) also found a monitoring violation from December of 2019, where an older computer system caused problems with filter performance or data used to determine levels of treatment credit achieved. To address the issue, the Water Treatment Plant has updated their computer systems.

According to the EPA’s Understanding Your Annual Water Quality Report, those who do not pay their own water bill, such as those in apartments, condos, or rentals may not receive a CCR. Such individuals can contact their property managers or head to marlintx.net to view a copy of the report. 

For more information, go to epa.gov/ccr.