CITY OF SWEENY, TX

The City of Sweeny is pursuing certification through the Texas Film Commission - Office of the Governor of Texas, as a Film Friendly Community. This certification is beneficial, because film production can be quite lucrative and beneficial to the local economy, because filming productions through the TX Film Commission are required to use at least 70% of local resources from people to goods and services. To obtain certification, cities must: 1) Attend a Film Commission workshop, 2) Adopt Film Friendly Guidelines, and 3) Must have a portfolio of pictures of different locations. Sweeny has completed the first two steps to certification, and now we need the community's help with submitting local pictures to make the portfolio. The City must submit at least 5 different locations with 5-10 images of each location, however more than 5 locations is great. Locations can include everything - the good, the bad, and the ugly - any places that could create a backdrop for a film production such as: parks, railroad tracks, schools, natural landscapes, cemeteries, unique buildings, dilapidated buildings, downtowns, rivers, one-of-a-kind trees, hospitals, etc. Images can be uploaded to the Film Commission website using this link and clicking "Upload Your Photos" (middle of the page): Submit Your Property as a Production Location (texas.gov)
You can find more information on the Film Friendly program and the Texas Film Commission using this link: Texas Film Commission | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott
We are EXCITED to see your pictures!! When uploading images, please complete all requested fields. If you have any questions, City Hall, Sweeny Chamber of Commerce, or Sweeny EDC can help! This is a Sweeny Community effort.

UPDATE 04/06/2023 -Water Coloration:
After calling in reinforcements, we have determined that the water softeners need repair. For now, the City is operating the water system by bypassing the softeners for maintenance and has notified TCEQ of the bypass. Bypassed water is still treated. We have determined that in addition to repair work, more media is needed in the softeners. Right now, we are working on getting a repair schedule and will keep the public updated as we get more information. While the softeners are offline, you may (no guarantee) notice water color clearing up. We are interested in knowing what your observations are. You can report what you see in your water to info@sweenytx.gov 

Update from Regular Council Session 03/21/2023: 
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

Sweeny residents and businesses, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires all public water systems to take inventory of water service line types to determine the type of material of the lines. The inventory of all service lines must be completed by October 16, 2024. This requirement is under the Lead Service Line Inventory Under Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR, January 2023).

We anticipate the EPA issuing a directive that will not allow the City to excavate to determine water service line type, so your participation in this survey is critical in helping us meet the deadline.

This survey takes approximately 7 minutes to complete, and it is helpful if you have your utility billing account number.

Thank you for your time and helping us to maintain compliance.

Link to Survey (Provided in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KF6XWDM