Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Class C Water License Exam

What information must public water systems in Texas compile and maintain?

1. Pump and chemical usage reports

2. Date of dead-end flushing and storage tanks cleared

3. Microbial tests and chemical tests

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Public water systems in Texas are required to compile and maintain comprehensive records to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water. This includes a variety of critical data points that monitor both operational practices and water quality standards. The inclusion of pump and chemical usage reports is essential as it helps track the efficiency of water systems and the quantities of chemicals used in treatment processes. This information is crucial for maintaining proper disinfection levels and ensuring compliance with regulations related to chemical usage. Maintaining records on the date of dead-end flushing and when storage tanks are cleared is also vital. Flushing dead ends is a necessary practice to prevent stagnation in water lines, which can lead to water quality issues, including the growth of harmful bacteria. Clearing storage tanks regularly is another management practice to prevent sediment build-up and contamination. Most importantly, the compilation of microbial and chemical test results is a core requirement for public water systems. These tests are directly related to public health, as they assess the presence of pathogens and contaminants in the water supply. Regular testing helps ensure that the water is safe to drink and meets established health standards. Since all these components—pump and chemical usage, flushing and maintenance records, and testing data—are essential parts of effective water quality management and regulatory compliance, a