FAQs • Beaumont, TX • CivicEngage

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Water & Sewer Services - Sewer Information

1. My sewer backing up, what should I do?: Please call 311 to report the issue.

2. What if I see water coming up out of a manhole?: Please call 311 to report the issue.

3. What should I do if I hear an alarm or see a light flashing at a lift station?: Please call 311 to alert the lift station crew.

4. Will my yard be fixed after a sewer repair or pipe bursting project?: Yes, the City has dress up crews that will restore your yard.

5. Should I call a plumber or 311 first?: Always call 311 to have the water and sewer department look at it first. We'll always come out to inspect for no charge and if the stoppage is on the City's side, the City will unstop the line for free. If we determine the issue to be on the customer side, we'll then advise you to call a plumber.

1. Is my water safe to drink?: Yes, your water is safe to drink. We are regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and we meet or exceed the parameters for water safety and quality, as established by the regulatory entity.

2. Where does the City Source its water?: The City of Beaumont has three ground water wells in Hardin County as well as a Surface Water Treatment Plant on Pine Street that receives water from the Neches River upstream of the Salt Water Barrier.

3. What causes water to be discolored?: Naturally occurring minerals (primarily iron and manganese) flowing with the water are typically to blame for water discoloration. These minerals, which are heavier than water, settle in water pipelines when water usage is low - especially during winter months. When the water flow and pressure through the water pipes increases again (due to irrigation, construction, etc.) the minerals are stirred up and flow out of your faucets when you turn on the tap. The City of Beaumont maintains routine water flushing schedules to minimize water discoloration by "flushing out" the system on a regular basis. The City will also flush in an area when discolored water is reported to 311.

4. What should I do if my water is discolored?: If discoloration occurs, run the cold water at one faucet for about 5 minutes, and you should see the water clear. (Running the hot water pulls from the water heater, which could make the problem worse.) If the water fails to clear after 5 minutes, call 311 to report the issue.

5. Is the water safe to drink if it is discolored?: For most people, discolored water is not harmful if consumed. It does look bad, however, and not wanting to drink it is perfectly understandable. Some people may be more vulnerable to substances in drinking water than the general population. People who have compromised immune systems, such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone organ transplants, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking water that is discolored. If you experience discolored water that does not clear after a few minutes of flushing the cold water please call 311.

6. Can I still do laundry when the water is discolored?: It is not recommended that you use discolored water to do laundry. The discolored water could stain any clothing, but whites are especially susceptible.

7. Who can I call if I am having concerns about the quality and/or safety of my water?: Call 311 to report any issues or concerns.

8. Where can I find more information about the City's water quality and testing results?: You can find the most recent Annual Water Quality Report on the Water and Sewer Services page of our website. You can also find our analytical results and compliance with state and federal regulations on the TCEQ's Texas Drinking Water Watch (DWW) website.

9. Where does my drinking water come from?: The City of Beaumont's drinking water is produced from the Neches River and groundwater wells.

10. Does my water contain lead and/or copper?: The City of Beaumont's drinking water has never exceeded the lead and copper levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

11. Why are my water rates so high?: The water rates are structured to cover operational costs as well as ongoing infrastructure upgrades necessary to maintain the City's water system. We do what we can to keep costs as low as possible while providing safe drinking water for citizens.

1. When will my yard be restored after utility work is complete?: The Contractor is required to restore the site no more than 14 days after installation, testing, and inspection is complete. They're allowed to work up to 2,000 linear feet at once before dress-up.

2. Why is my backyard no longer draining after wastewater main repairs?: After renewal of our wastewater system, any rain water that may have drained into our system should no longer infiltrate our lines. It is possible that over the years your property may have changed and no longer drains directly to the street. If you notice ponding water after wastewater main repairs, you need to restore the ability of your yard to drain to the street, where the storm sewer system is located. Neither the City of Beaumont Water Utilities Department nor the Contractor is responsible for the grading or drainage of private property.

3. I need water service. What do I need to do?: Depending on the purpose of the meter, you may need approval from Planning and Zoning. Rules and Regulations can vary with use. Generally, you will call Water Administration at 409-866-0026 for a water meter quote. Once the quote is paid at Building Codes, a work order is generated for installation. Once the meter has been installed, you must set up an account at Customer Service at City Hall.

4. What size meter do I need?: That question is usually decided by the building designer or engineer. Small meters range from 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Commercial meters can range from 3 inches and larger in diameter. Contact your engineer.

5. Why is it taking so long to install my meter?: Did you mark the meter location with a blue flag? Water Utilities operates on a schedule. The blue flag will determine if the crew stops at your location. If no flag is seen, the crew continues to the next installation. Typically installations are completed with 14 days pending weather and other repairs.

6. Why do I have to flag the location for water and sewer?: Sometimes there are circumstances that dictate different meter and tap locations. We will not install any meter or tap without them being located.