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Andrews Sells More Than A Billion Gallons of Water, Still Not In EPA Drinking Water Standards
Andrews Sells More Than A Billion Gallons of Water, Still Not In EPA Drinking Water Standards 1/28/13
Felicia Bolton
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
January 28, 2013
ANDREWS, TX – The City of Andrews is breaking the record in most water used in their history. With a spurt in growth the population is pushed to the max, which also pushed them out of compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"When we went over 10 thousand [people] we fell out of compliance," stated Andrews Utilities Director Danny Griffin.
Last year they sold more than a billion gallons of water, which is normally about 86 million gallons sold per year. Although the level of fluoride and arsenic in the water aren't reaching dangerous levels, it is still creating health concerns for locals.
"No I would not [drink the tap water here]," said West Texan Alex White.
"A lot of people that I've grown up with have those white permanent stains on their teeth and you know they say it's from hard water," stated Andrews Resident Courtni Fuson.
Now the city is trying to put a hand on the problem and searching for long-term solutions to get into EPA drinking water standards.
“We're after a good quality water and conservation at the same time,” said Danny Griffin, Andrews Utilities Director.
They currently are considering a fluoride decreasing system that will only waste 1% of water in the cleaning process. Once they initiate this new plan they will become a staple for nearby cities to follow.
Until the city falls into compliance with the EPA standards, they currently offer purified drinking water for residents. It’s located at a water station directly behind Andrews City Hall.