CITY OF SWEENY, TX

The City of Sweeny did have an interruption in gas service earlier this morning, Friday, March 24th, 2023. If you are still experiencing a gas issue and/or have an emergency, please call dispatch at 979 548 3111 for assistance.  The Public Works Department will be notified in order to assist.  

The City of Sweeny observed an uptick in dirty water complaints in the month of February, with pocketed areas of higher frequencies of complaints throughout the City. In response, the City asked outside water testing companies including Environdyne and Water Utilities Systems, LLC to take water samples and run a comprehensive battery of tests on the City’s water. Test samples were taken in the areas of town with the highest frequency of dirty water calls. While the City did not have the test results back in time for a Special City Council meeting held on March 09, 2023, staff was available to answer questions related to the water quality and what was being done to address the water coloration. Results from the independent tests were received by the City on March 20, 2023 and shared at the regular City Council meeting on March 21, 2023. Both water testing companies had the same results: Elevated levels of manganese. While the water is not harmful to the public, the color of the manganese can be seen by the naked eye.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates all public water systems in Texas. TCEQ discontinued the city’s use of polyphosphate, a substance that sequesters the coloration of iron and manganese in water. Currently, the City’s licensed water operators are working with TCEQ to request permission to reinstate the use of polyphosphate. The results of independent tests are available for the public’s view. Updates on the water coloration will be posted on the City’s website as the City receives new information.

It is notable that there is major construction in progress to replace water main lines throughout town, and the construction can agitate the system and cause water discoloration.
Environdyne Results
Water Utilities Systems, LLC Results
TCEQ Results