Water Utilities

How could I have used this much water?

You may not have - the numbers on your meter may have been transposed or hard to read. You could possibly have a leaky toilet or faucet that's difficult to detect. Just call the office and we'll work with you to solve the problem.

My bill is past due can I get an extension?

The city does not give extensions. The last day to pay your bill is the 25th of every month. Holidays and weekends do not change the due date. The city provides its customers with a  drop box for after-hours payments. 

What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?

Why do I have a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?

We may have received it after the due date or we may not have received it at all.

When a customer pays their bill but does not pay the entire amount the system prints the balance due as a late fee showing the credit for the portion you paid. 

Adding your usage for water, sewer, trash, tax and late fee then subtracting the credit will equal the amount due. 

Call our office and we will help you solve the problem.

Why is my water discolored?

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

The water in our area is high in hydrogen sulfide is the chemical compound with the formula H 2S. It is a colorless gas with the characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs.

If your cold water smells call us so we can flush your streets line. 

If your hot water smells you will need to flush your hot water heater. 

It is recommended that you flush the hot water heater every 6 months to prevent hydrogen sulfide buildup and lengthen the life of your hot water heater. 

How do I get a copy of the city permits to operate water & sewer plants?

Anyone can submit an open records request to obtain the city's permits.

What do I do in the boil water event?

Why do I have to boil my water?

When a water system's water pressure drops too low, the water could become contaminated. Contamination may be due to equipment failure, leaking pipes in the system, or insufficient disinfectant in the water supply. TCEQ requires that the water system place customers under a boil water notice. This notice will not be lifted until the water system determines that the water is 100% safe to drink without being boiled.

How do I boil my water during an advisory?

• Fill a pot with water.
• Heat the water until bubbles come from the bottom of the pot to the top.
• Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for 1 minute.
• Turn off the heat source and let the water cool.
• Pour water into a clean container with a cover for storage

Should I use bottled water?

You may choose to use bottled water if it is available.

I don't like the taste of boiled water. What can I do?

To improve the taste, you can:

• Pour cooled water back and forth from one clean glass into another to add air to the water.
• Let the water stand for a few hours.
• Add a pinch of salt to each quart of boiled water.

What about ice?

• Do not use ice from ice trays, dispensers, or ice makers.
• Make new ice with boiled or bottled water.
• Purchase ice from the supermarket

How should I wash fruit, vegetables, and preparation surfaces?

• Wash fruits and vegetables with cooled, boiled water or bottled water.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute before adding food to cook.
• Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water.
• Use boiled water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade.

Can I use tap water to brush my teeth?

No. Do not use tap water to brush your teeth. Use boiled or bottled water.

 Should I give my pet boiled water?

Pets can get some of the same diseases as people. It is a good idea to give them cooled boiled water.

Is it safe to water my garden and house plants?

You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.

My water is cloudy and smells. What can I do?

Contact city hall. They will need to come out and flush the line. You will also need to flush your lines since the city can only flush up to your meter. Turn your outside faucet on, or if you do not have an outside faucet, turn on your bathtub for 10-15 minutes. This should flush your personal line.

 Do I need to worry about my fish or aquatic pets, reptiles, frogs)?

Most germs that infect people do not infect reptiles or fish. If your water system uses more chlorine or changes disinfection, be cautious about changing the water in your fish tank or aquarium. Contact your local pet store or veterinarian for more advice.

Is it safe to wash my laundry?

• Wash and rinse the laundry as normal using warm or hot water.
• Dry your laundry in a clothes dryer or by hanging them in the sun. The heat from the dryer/sun will kill any germs from the water.
• Do not wash new clothes in hot water. If the water system treats the water with extra chlorine, the water may bleach out these items since the clothes have never been washed to set in the color dye.
• Use your best judgment to wash your clothes.

What should I do about feeding my baby?

• Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option, Use a ready-to-use formula.
• Prepare powdered or concentrated formula with bottled water. If you do not have bottled water, use boiled water. Disinfect water for formula if you cannot boil it (see above for directions on how to use bleach to disinfect water).
• Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples before use.
• If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.

How do I wash dishes during a boil water advisory?

Dishwashers are safe to use if the water reaches a temperature of at least 160°F or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.

To wash dishes by hand:

• Wash and rinse the dishes as normal using hot water.
• Add one teaspoon of unscented household bleach in a separate basin for each gallon of warm water.
• Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least 1 minute.
• Let the dishes air dry completely.

I already drank the water. Will I get sick?

Most people who drink this water will not get sick. If you get sick, the symptoms are similar to food poisoning: nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever.

 What should I do if I have symptoms?

The most important thing to do is avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine, such as soda, coffee, and tea. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your health or that of a family member.

Does the City of Wells sell bulk water?

The City of Wells sells bulk water from the metered fire hydrant behind City Hall. 

You must obtain a slip from City Hall to purchase bulk water. 

Effective 11/1/2015 (Revised 10/1/2024) * A load of water up to 1,000 gallons. 

Price: Water is $50.00 per load up to 1,000 gallons. After the first load, you will be charged $55.00 per load.

The city council sets these prices and can not be changed by any city employee. 

 

 

Conservation Tips

There are a number of easy ways to save water, and they all start with YOU. When you save water, you save money on your utility bills. Here are just a few ways...

In The Kitchen

• When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Some refrigerators, air conditioners, and icemakers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
• Never run the dishwasher without a full load. This practice will save water, energy, detergent, and money.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
• For cold drinks, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
• Use a small pan of cold water when cleaning vegetables, rather than running water over them. Then, collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, and reuse it to water house plants.
• Use only a little water in the pot and put a lid on it for cooking most food. Not only does this method save water, but the food is also more nutritious because vitamins and minerals are not washed down in the drain with the extra cooking water.
• Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will reduce the number of glasses to wash.
• Do not use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
• If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
• If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer or when you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, do not throw it in the trash; dump it on a plant instead.

Always keep water conservation in mind and think of other ways to save in the kitchen. Making too much coffee or letting ice cubes melt in the sink can add up over time. By making these slight changes in the kitchen, you can count on bigger savings on your yearly water bill.

In The Bathroom

• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you will save up to 150 gallons per month.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
• Take a shower instead of taking a bath. Showers with low-flow shower heads use less water than taking a bath.
• Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
• Reduce the level of water being used in a bathtub by one or two inches if a shower is not available.
• When remodeling the bathroom, install a new low-volume flush toilet that uses only 1.6 gallons per flush.
• Test toilets for leaks. Add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet to the water in the tank, but do not flush the toilet. Watch to see if the coloring appears in the bowl within a few minutes. If it does, the toilet has a silent leak that needs to be repaired.
• Use a toilet tank displacement device such as a toilet dam or bag. Another alternative is filling a plastic bottle with stones or water, recapped, and placed in the toilet tank. These devices will reduce the volume of water in the tank but will still provide enough for flushing. Displacement devices are not recommended with new low-volume flush toilets.
• Never use the toilet to dispose of cleansing tissues, cigarette butts, or other trash. This wastes a great deal of water and also places an unnecessary load on the sewage treatment plant or septic tank.
• Do not use hot water when cold will do. Water and energy can be saved by washing hands with soap and cold water. Hot water should be added only when hands are especially dirty.
• Do not let the water run when washing hands. Water should be turned off while washing and scrubbing and be turned on again to rinse. A cutoff valve may be installed on the faucet.
• When shaving, fill the lavatory basin with hot water instead of letting the water run continuously.
• Place water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

In The Laundry

• Use your clothes’ washer and dishwasher only when they are full. This will save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

Plumbing and Appliances

• Check water requirements of various models and brands when considering purchasing any new appliances. Some use less water than others.
• Check all waterline connections and faucets for leaks. A slow drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water EACH DAY, or 5,000 gallons per month, and will be added to the water bill.
• Learn to repair faucets so that drips can be corrected promptly. It is easy to do, costs little, and can mean substantial savings in plumbing and water bills.
• Check for hidden water leakage such as a leak between the water meter and the house. To check, turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and water-using appliances. The water meter should be read at 10-to-20-minute intervals. If it continues to run or turn, a leak exists and needs to be located.
• Insulate all hot water pipes to reduce the delays (and wasted water) experienced while waiting for the water to "run hot."
• Be sure the water heater thermostat is not set too high. Extremely hot settings waste water and energy because the water often has to be cooled with cold water before it can be used.
• Use a moisture meter to determine when house plants need water. More plants die from over-watering than from being on the dry side.
• Winterize outdoor faucets and faucets when cold temperatures arrive to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

For Outdoor Use

• Water only when needed. Look at the grass, feel the soil, or use a soil moisture meter to determine when to water.
• Do not overwater. Soil can hold only so much moisture, and the rest simply runs off. A timer will help, and either a kitchen timer or an alarm clock will do. Apply only enough water to fill the plant’s root zone. Excess water beyond that is wasted. One and a half inches of water applied once a week in the summer will keep most grass alive and healthy.
• Water lawns early in the morning during the hotter summer months. Otherwise, much of the water used on the lawn can simply evaporate between the sprinkler and the grass.
• To avoid excessive evaporation, use a sprinkler that produces large drops of water, rather than a fine mist. Sprinklers that send droplets out on a low angle also help control evaporation. Adjust sprinkler heads as necessary, to avoid waste, runoff and ensure proper coverage.
• Set automatic sprinkler systems to provide thorough but infrequent watering. Pressure-regulating devices should be set up to design specifications. Rain shut-off devices can prevent watering in the rain.
• Use drip irrigation systems for bedded plants, trees, or shrubs, or turn soaker hoses upside-down so the holes are on the bottom. This will help avoid evaporation.
• Water slowly for better absorption, and never water on a windy day.
• Forget about watering the streets or walks or driveways. They will never grow a thing.
• Condition the soil with mulch or compost before planting grass or flowerbeds so that water will soak in rather than run off.
• Fertilize lawns at least twice a year for root stimulation, but do not over-fertilize. Grass with a good root system makes better use of less water and is more drought tolerant.
• Do not scalp lawns when mowing during hot weather. Taller grass holds moisture better. Grass should be cut fairly often, so that only 1/2 to 3/4 inch is trimmed off. A better-looking lawn will result.
• Use a watering can or hand water with the hose in small areas of the lawn that need more frequent watering (those near walks or driveways or in especially hot, sunny spots.)
• Use water-wise plants. Learn what types of grass, shrubbery, and plants do best in the area and in which parts of the lawn and then plant accordingly. Choose plants that have low water requirements, are drought-tolerant, and are adapted to the area of the state where they are to be planted.
• Consider decorating some areas of the lawn with wood chips, rocks, gravel, or other materials now available that require no water at all.
• Do not "sweep" walks and driveways with the water hose. Use a broom or rake instead.
• When washing the car, use a bucket of soapy water and turn on the hose only for rinsing.
• We are more likely to notice leaks indoors, but do not forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.