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1. Is the water in Sugar Land safe to drink?

Yes! Our drinking water meets and exceeds all Federal and State drinking water requirements and our water systems are operated by State Certified operators. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is responsible for overseeing the state’s environmental areas, which includes the City of Sugar Land’s water quality. City staff and the TCEQ collects and analyzes water samples for metals, minerals, organic compounds, disinfectant byproduct compounds, and radiological compounds. The TCEQ has rated Sugar Land as having a “Superior” water system, its highest rating.

In addition to TCEQ-required daily process control samples taken at the water plants and system entry points, the City of Sugar Land has certified operators that perform over 85 bacteriological tests monthly in its distribution system and collects quality assurance / quality control samples at least once a week.

2. Where does my water come from?

Historically, the majority of the city’s drinking water supply has been from groundwater aquifers. There are twelve city groundwater plants ranging in size from approximately 3 to 12 million gallons per day (MGD) of production capacity. The water in these aquifers is from the Gulf Coast Aquifer system with an average depth of greater than 1,200 feet.  

In response to Fort Bend Subsidence District’s (FBSD) 30 percent alternative water supply conversion deadline, the city constructed a 10.85-MGD surface water treatment plant (SWTP) that went into operation in 2013. The city has three sources of water available to supply the SWTP with surface water. The city holds a contract with the Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA), who delivers raw water from the Brazos River to Oyster Creek. The contract with GCWA provides 10 MGD (11,201 AFY) of raw water, and an agreement to purchase an additional 10 MGD for future needs. The city also has a contract with the Brazos River Authority (BRA) for 6,388 AFY of raw water. Finally, the city holds a water right on Oyster Creek which allows the City to withdraw 18,000 acre-feet per year (AFY).

3. How do I get my drinking water tested?

Although we don't recommend this since the TCEQ has rated Sugar Land as having a “Superior” water system, its highest rating, you may contact a private laboratory for individual analysis of your water. Labs are listed in the yellow pages. The City continually performs water quality testing in accordance with State and Federal regulations. We are unable to provide testing on an individual basis.

4. I think I have a water leak, what should I do?

The homeowner is responsible for the pipes within the house, as well as the water service line from the house to the water meter box. If you think you have a leak, please call us first to request a leak investigation. You may contact 311 or our 24-hour line at 281-275-2900.

5. Whom should I call if I notice water running down the street?

If you notice a leak or discharge of water, whether it is in the street, from a meter, or a hydrant please call 311 or the city's 24-hour line at 281-275-2900 and a crew will be dispatched to investigate the situation and take appropriate actions.

6. What is the best way to turn the water off at my house in an emergency or for repairs? How?

You can turn the water off inside your home / building at the main valve. The main valve is generally located where the water service enters the house / building. You should maintain this valve so it is easily accessed in case of an emergency. If you cannot turn your water off, and need emergency assistance, please call our 24-hour line at 281-275-2450.

7. Why is my water pressure so low?

Several things can temporarily cause reduced water pressure in your home:

• Plugged or restricted screens on your faucets
• Malfunctioning or partially closed water valves in your home
• Water main breaks, firefighting, and hydrant flushing may affect the pressure

8. What causes white water?

The presence of air bubbles may cause your water to appear white or cloudy. You can identify the problem as air by filling a glass with water. If the cloudiness rises from the bottom to the top of the glass, it is most likely air. This air is caused by seasonal temperature changes in the water.

9. What is the white deposits on my glasses, pans, and ice cube trays?

The white deposits or dots are calcium and magnesium in our water (hardness). These are naturally occurring minerals and do not pose a health risk. To remove the residue, try wiping or soaking the object with vinegar. Commercial products can also be used to remove the residue that has built up on glassware.

10. What is the hardness of Sugar Land's water?

The range for the Sugar Land is 34-211 parts per million or 2.0 – 12.3 grains per gallon.

11. The aerators on our faucets are filled with white debris. What is it?

“White chunks” or eggshell-like particles that clog faucet aerators and showerheads are actually pieces of plastic from hot water heaters that are experiencing dip tube failure.

There are two solutions to this problem:

• Flush all the dip tube debris from the heater tank, install a new dip tube, and then clean all the strainers and aerators.
• Replace the water heater and then clean and flush the strainers and aerators. Contact a licensed plumber for additional information.

12. What is the rusty color in my water?

The rusty tint is caused by iron that is naturally occurring in water. Sudden changes in the system, such as when a fire hydrant is opened, can stir up the iron sediments that have been built on pipes and cause temporary discoloration. If you have rusty water, please call the 24-hour line at 281-275-2450 and a crew will be sent to investigate within the hour. City crews will flush the lines through fire hydrants during the year to minimize the buildup of sediments in pipes, which helps reduce chances of discolored water.

13. Can I paint the fire hydrant near my home to make it more decorative?

No. The color of our hydrants is designed to allow it to stand out from its surroundings and make it easily identified by fire fighters. Also, the color on the top of the hydrant identifies the flow that can be expected from that particular hydrant.

14. There are colored paint marks in the grass and on the road in my neighborhood. What does this mean?

These paint marks are probably placed by utility locating crews, and they identify the location of underground utilities for scheduled excavation. Red indicates electric, orange indicates telephone or cable TV, yellow indicates gas, blue indicates water, and green indicates sewer.

15. Is the City of Sugar Land’s water system fluoridated?

Yes. The City adjusts the fluoride that is naturally occurring to 0.7 parts per million (ppm) which is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended level.