The following information is to help homeowners within "The District" solve problems with their utility services quickly in case of an emergency. Please see below.
The following are some questions and answers that may help homeowners within "The District" solve problems with their water service quickly in case of an emergency.
Q. What should I do if I have no water?
A. First, call a neighbor to see if they have water. It may be that the mainline has been shut-off due to a water main break or other problems. If your neighbors have water, the problem is most likely isolated within your local water connection (property owner’s side of the water meter). An example would be a malfunctioning pressure regulator. A malfunctioning pressure regulator can cause the flow of water to stop completely or your water pressure can drop dramatically.
Second, check outside and see if someone is working on the water lines in your immediate area, particularly around your water meter. Has it been shut off?
Third, if you are not sure of what the problem is and need assistance, call the District Office at (903)825-6960 and we will try to assist you. Please note that the District Office is not manned all the time and you may need to leave a message. All calls will be returned.
If it is an EMERGENCY then you should call a District Officer immediately. If you are unable to locate a District Officer, call the Emerald Bay Security Guard House and notify the guards. Security will assist you in locating District assistance.
Q: If you determined the problem is on the homeowner's side of the water meter, what can you do?
A: If you feel that you are qualified to repair a plumbing problem on the private (homeowners) side of the water meter (leaky faucet, sprinkler head, etc.) you may do so at your own risk. It is your home. If you are not comfortable doing your own repairs, you should seek professional help and call a reputable plumber or sprinkler repair service. You can go online and search for a local plumber by typing in the local ZIP Code (75757) and the Keyword "Plumbers" or “Lawn Irrigation.” Please note that the District neither endorses nor recommends any particular plumber.
Q. As a homeowner, what part of the water system's maintenance am I directly responsible for and what is the District responsible for?
A. The homeowner bears all costs and is directly responsible for all plumbing maintenance within his/her residence and the maintenance of the private water line that runs from the output side of the water meter to the homeowner's residence. The District bears all costs and is directly responsible for the maintenance of the main water distribution lines, commonly known as the water main, the water meter, the water wells, water towers and storage tanks, and all operational aspects of the water system.
It should be noted that the homeowner/property owner is also responsible for all associated costs of installation and maintenance of federal, state, and locally mandated safety equipment or required environmental control equipment on his/her side of the meter. An example of this would be a mandate from the State to the District to require a backflow preventer on a home under certain conditions.
Q. What should you do if you believe there is a problem with the main water line and not in your home?
A. First, call the District office at (903) 825-6960. If you do not get an answer, leave a message and attempt to notify a District Officer as soon as possible. If you believe that the situation is an EMERGENCY and you are unable to contact a District Officer, call the Guard House at (903) 825-3174. Under no circumstances should you attempt to correct a problem with the mainline yourself. There are both criminal and civil penalties for tampering with a public water system.
Q: What should you do if you see a water geyser, or water leaking from the ground inside the District or along County Road 188?
A: Report the problem immediately to a District Officer. If you are unable to locate a District Officer, call the Guard House and notify the guards. Security will assist you in locating District assistance.
Q. Who bears financial responsibility if your home is damaged by water from the District water supply?
A. Under current law, the homeowner is responsible. As stated in previous answers, the District pays for repairing and maintaining main water lines, water wells, and associated equipment of the water system; however, the cost of repairing damage to private property is still borne by the homeowner. Current law exempts the District from this liability.
The following are some questions and answers that may help homeowners within "The District" solve problems with their wastewater service quickly in case of an emergency.
Q. What should I do if my drains or toilets begin to back up?
A. First, attempt to unstop the blockage with a plunger if you have one and know how to use it properly. If this fails to clear up the problem or you don't know how to use it, you will need professional help and should call a reputable plumber. You can go online and search for a local plumber by typing in the local ZIP Code (75757) and the Keyword "Plumbers". Please note that the District neither endorses nor recommends any particular plumber.
Q. As a homeowner, what part of the sewer system's maintenance am I directly responsible for and what is the District responsible for?
A. The homeowner bears all costs and is directly responsible for all plumbing maintenance within his/her residence and the maintenance of the tap line which runs from the main collection line to the homeowner's residence. The District bears all costs and is directly responsible for the maintenance of the main wastewater collection lines, commonly known as the main sewer lines, the processing plant, and all operational aspects of the wastewater system.
Q. What should you do if you believe there is a blockage in the mainline and not in your home or tap line?
A. First, call your neighbors on both sides of your home to check if they are having the same or similar problems. If so, the blockage is most likely in the mainline and you should notify a District Officer as soon as possible. The District is responsible for clearing the mainline.
Q. Who bears financial responsibility if the main lines are blocked and my home becomes flooded with wastewater?
A. Under current law, the homeowner is responsible. As stated in previous answers, the District pays for clearing the blockage from the mainline; however, the cost of repairing damage to private property is still borne by the homeowner. Current law exempts the District from this liability because the District has no control over what the general public places in the wastewater system.
Q. What is a "Lift Station"?
A. A lift station is nothing more than a set of pumps that move wastewater from your homes and offices to the main processing plant. There are a total of (8) eight lift stations within the District.
Q. What should I do if I see a "Red Beacon" flashing on top of a lift station?
A. Call a District Officer as soon as possible. The flashing red light means that the station has shut down and needs attention.
Q. What should I do if I see wastewater flowing from a manhole or lift station?
A. Call a District Officer as soon as possible. Wastewater spills need to be corrected quickly to avoid backups in homes and businesses.
Q. What does raw wastewater look like?
A. Generally, but not always, raw wastewater will appear gray in color and have a slight odor if it has only been standing for a short time. Left standing for a long period of time the color will darken and the odor will become very strong. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HANDLE RAW WASTEWATER YOURSELF!
Q. Is wastewater dangerous?
A. YES! Raw wastewater can contain many types of germs, bacteria, pathogens, and other harmful organic and non-organic substances. If you accidentally come in contact with it, wash and disinfect your hands/body immediately.