To serve you better, we've assembled a list of our customers' most frequently asked questions. If you don't find your answer here, feel free to contact us.
Water Quality Testing
Most people do not realize the amount of water quality testing required by the US EPA and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Every single day of the year one of Borden Tri-County Regional Water District’s state certified operators runs a variety of water quality tests on our lake water, finished water, and distribution system water. The lake water is what is gravity fed into our treatment plant, finished water is what we pump out of our plant to our customers, and distribution system water is checked at various locations through out our system. The test results for each test are logged on a monthly operating report that is submitted to IDEM for their review at the end of each month.
The water quality tests that BTC Water personnel conduct on our water daily include: lake water – turbidity, alkalinity, pH, temperature, and manganese; finished water – turbidity, alkalinity, ph, manganese, and temperature. In addition to these tests, BTC Water licensed operators also test: finished water – chlorine (total) and chlorine (free residual); distribution system water – chlorine (total), chlorine (free residual) and fluoride (fluoride testing information is provided by the company we purchase water from). Each of these test results, as well as many other system flows, pressures, and tank levels, are logged each and every day of the year.
In addition to these routine tests, BTC Water is also required to have many other tests ran by a state certified laboratory. At least 10 samples per month are taken at various points around our distribution system to test for total coli form (bacteria). We are also required to test for 20 inorganic compounds, 35 synthetic organic compounds, 24 volatile organic compounds, nitrates, radio nuclides, lead & copper, sodium, total trihalomehtane, halocetic acids, and a variety of un-regulated contaminants. The frequency of this required testing, and the maximum levels of each substance considered safe, is established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and IDEM. These regulatory agencies also establish public notice rules if the maximum levels are exceeded.
All in all, over 4,800 tests are conducted every year, to ensure the quality of our drinking water. We are also required to send an annual Consumer Confidence Report to every customer by June 30th that details our testing and test results. Online versions of the report are available on this web site.
How could I have used this much water?
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.
What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?
Low pressure is often due to a pressure reducing valve going bad or a water softener being clogged. Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks. Call our office and report low pressure for your area if the problem persists and we can let you know if it is a problem on BTC Water's side.
Why is my water discolored?
If your water is discolored please call the BTC Water office immediately. A repair could have been completed recently allowing air to enter the line, causing the milky look. We will need to flush the water mains longer to ensure the air escapes the line.
Why does debris come out of the faucet when running hot water?
Most likely your water heater needs to be flushed. CAUTION: Most manufacturers recommend hiring a professional to flush your water heater. If you plan on doing this yourself, read the owner's manual to keep from being hurt and or damaging the water heater.
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. Call our office and we will help you solve the problem.
