Water Department
Edward Marquez
Department Manager: Edward Marquez, has been with the City of Big Lake since 2009.
Others in the Department: George Barrera and Angel Botello
About Our Water...
The City of Big Lake water is supplied from natural springs which are located in North Reagan County. We are a member of, and purchase water from, the Reagan County Water Supply District. Through this partnership, we are able to provide our citizens with a "Superior" rated water supply.
The function of the Water Department is to maintain, repair, and rehabilitate the city’s water distribution system. This system is composed of water storage tanks, high pressure pumps, mains, valves, and fire hydrants. The purpose of the distribution system is to deliver safe drinking water to the public for human consumption and provide adequate pressure for fire protection.
Most Americans take safe, inexpensive drinking water for granted. We assume all water that comes from a tap is okay to drink. Few of us realize the planning, monitoring, repair and maintenance required to obtain and protect adequate amounts of safe water.
The federal government, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the State of Texas, through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), establish minimum water quality requirements that must be met by public water supply systems. These requirements, or Primary Standards, are meant to protect the public from contaminants that may cause acute and chronic health effects. TCEQ distributes an annual Drinking Water Quality Report which grades the City of Big Lake public water supply system. The report is then mailed to every resident in Big Lake detailing the contaminants that are tested for and the results.
You may also view the Water Analysis Report with your cell phone camera by scanning this QR Code:
Water Notices
Digging in Big Lake, Texas......Call 8-1-1
When anyone digs in Big Lake, Texas, there is a high probability of an underground utility line being within the dig site. Hitting an underground utility line does more than interrupt utility service - it risks the safety of the person digging and the public. Texas law requires homeowners to contact 8-1-1 two (2) business days (excluding weekends and holidays) before digging, even if you're working in your own backyard. Homeowners, Contractors and Business owners should contact 8-1-1 when: building a fence; planting a tree; installing a sprinkler system; or performing any chore or maintenance that requires digging. There is no cost to call 8-1-1 to find out where your underground utility lines are.
Additional things to remember about your water service...
Water Service Agreement (remember, this was part of establishing service)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the base water rate inside the City limits?
Minimum Base Water Rate inside the City limits is $21.00 for 1 to 4, 000 gallons. Over 4,000 gallons is $8.40 per 1,000 gallons. See the full Utility Services and Fee Structures by visiting the Ordinances page.
What is the base water rate for outside City limits?
Minimum Base Water Rate for outside the City limits is $36.00 for 1 to 4,000 gallons. Over 4,000 gallons is $12.40 per 1,000 gallons. See the full Utility Services and Fee Structures by visiting the Ordinances page.
What if I tamper with the water meter?
Section 28.03(b)(3)(B) of the Texas Penal Code, pertaining to criminal mischief, provides that it is a Class A misdemeanor for a person to cut a lock off a water meter and to “steal” the water, regardless the amount of pecuniary loss. Under Section 28.03(c), it is presumed that a person, who is receiving the economic benefit of the water, has knowingly tampered with the retail public utility’s property if the supply has been diverted through a metering device. In the event of tampering with the meter, local law enforcement will be contacted and charges pursued against the individual.
Can I obtain water from a fire hydrant for personal or commercial usage?
No
Can I purchase fresh water for commercial resale or use?
No, the City does not sale bulk fresh water for commercial resale or use. There are companies in town that provide bulk fresh water.