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Water & Wastewater Department

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1. Why does my water taste or smell funny?

Many customer complaints involve taste and odor issues, but these issues are some of the most difficult for a water system to address. All water has its own unique taste and odor characteristics. Like many other water suppliers, we occasionally experience taste and odor changes.

In the summer and early fall, algae in area lakes occasionally gives water an earthy taste and odor. A rotten egg smell typically occurs from a lack of oxygen in the natural or man-made reservoir storing water before it is treated. It is caused by bacterial decomposition of algae and organisms, which, when no oxygen is present, produces hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide emits a rotten egg smell.

When the naturally formed scale on the interior of the piping system is disturbed, and when turbulence with the water happens, some water discoloration may occur for several hours. The white discoloration of water usually means air is entrapped in the water. Running your faucets can usually eliminate white discoloration. If discoloration continues for an extended period of time, please notify the City of DeSoto Water/Wastewater Department. Please refer to our Taste & Odors page. Taste & Odors

2. I am having a sewer backup, what can I do?

The back up of sewage through the drains in your home or business is an unpleasant prospect. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your property.

If you experience a sewer backup, you will need to know if you have a cleanout in your yard. A cleanout is a 4” pipe that protrudes from the ground near your home. A cleanout is an entrance to your sewer line that City staff can use to flush any blockages from your sewer line into the sewer main. If you do not have a cleanout in your yard, you will need to contact a plumber for assistance. Please refer to our Sewer Backup page. Sewer Backups

3. I think I saw water coming up in the middle of the street, who do I call?

The City's 200 plus miles of water main are buried beneath the ground surface. As a result of age, condition, environmental factors, or other problems, pipes occasionally break. We are more prone to water main breaks in the winter and spring. The extreme weather changes can cause ground shifts placing an unusual amount of stress on the water main lines.

Water main breaks are a serious problem and require immediate attention by our maintenance crews. If you notice water bubbling up through the ground, a wet area appearing during dry weather, or a loss of water pressure within a service area, please notify the City of DeSoto Water/Wastewater Department. Please refer to our Water Main Breaks page. Water Main Breaks

4. I need a water tap or a sewer tap, what do I do?

Applicable Permits must be acquired from the Building Inspection Department 972.230.9610, and Construction Inspection Department 972.230.9617, prior to the Water/Wastewater notification and/or performance of tap services. Utility locations are to be requested by the contractor by calling DIGTESS 1.800.344.8377 for gas, electric, telephone, and cable. For water/wastewater, call 972.230.5724. The Water/Wastewater Department should be notified seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the desired time of the tap at 972.230.5724 with lot number, block number, and physical address. Please refer to our Water & Sewer Tap Requirements page. Water & Sewer Tap

5. My water pressure is low, who do I call?

There are several reasons that could cause a homeowner or business owner to experience low water pressure at their dwelling. Here are a few examples:

• Work is being performed on the water main in the area and city crews have it shut off.
• There is a water main break in the area and the resulting pressure loss is because of it.
• The shut off valve at the meter is not completely open. If you have had your water shut off recently, your valve may not have been completely turned back on. Please contact our Meter Services department for assistance at 972.230.9627 and press “7”.
• The service line to the meter is partially crimped.
• The meter filter may be partially clogged.

Please refer to our Water Main Breaks page. Water Main Breaks

6. Why is the fire hydrant in my neighborhood gushing water?

The process of periodically "flushing" fire hydrants is an important preventive maintenance activity in the City of DeSoto. Although it may appear to waste water, this process is part of a routine maintenance program necessary to maintain the integrity of the water system and to continue to deliver the highest quality water possible to our customers. The flushing process may take anywhere from 20 minutes to more than 8 hours. Flushing the water system on a routine basis removes sediment from lines and keeps the entire distribution system refreshed.

As a result of the flushing procedure, residents in the immediate vicinity of the work area may experience temporary discoloration of their water. This discoloration consists primarily of harmless silt and precipitates and does not affect the safety of the water.

If you experience discoloration in your water after crews have been flushing in your neighborhood, clear the pipes in your own home by running all water faucets for a minute or two. Please refer to our Fire Hydrant Flushing page for more information. Fire Hydrant Flushing

7. What are your hours of operation?

We are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours calls may be made to 972.780.6641 for emergencies only. Please hold all non-emergency calls until the next business day.

8. What do I do if I experience a sewer emergency after your normal business hours?

Call 972.780.6641. More...