The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recently released a report stating the City of Cooper has violated monitoring and reporting requirements in Chapter 30, Section 290, Subchapter F.
Ten samples of lead and copper tap water sampling is required to be taken every three years. No samples were reported from Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2015. The results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not the drinking water meets health standards, as stated in this report.
“We have done the test, and everything is good. We are back legal [in paperwork],” said City of Cooper Mayor Scotty Stegall, assuring the water is safe.
“There is nothing wrong with the water. The State made some changes to how they notify, and we did not receive notification,” said Water Superintendent Terry Palmer on the paperwork issue. He assures the water is tested every month for total chloroforms.
“During June 1 and Sept. 30 the City of Cooper did not complete all monitoring or testing for lead and copper and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of the drinking water during that time,” as stated in the required notice.
In the notice the City of Cooper states they “are working to correct the problem.” With the reassurance samples will be taken Jan. 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2016.
“The State used to send us a notice every three year and recently discontinued to do it; however, they didn’t inform us they were discontinuing this reminder service,” explained Mayor Stegall. “We have done this test for years. When you get into a habit of being reminded, it becomes routine. We have it all fixed now.”
For more information citizens are asked to contact Water Superintendent Terry Palmer at 903-272-0158 or visit City Hall at 91 North Side Square Cooper, Texas 75432. Public water system number is TX0600001.