The district explained its role in providing water to its service area, the process for its annual chlorine maintenance and the standards for measuring safe water.
Representatives from the water district, which included Executive Director Tom Kula and Deputy Director Mike Rickman, asserted that the water meets federal standards for safety and is safe to drink.
Many residents who spoke at the meeting questioned whether the standards for determining safe water were adequate and up to date. Residents addressed Council and district staff with their concerns.
Resident: Members of Safer Water, North Texas have complained of rashes, respiratory issues and other health problems during chlorine maintenance. #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
Resident: Would like to see more studies on trihalomethanes and their effects on health. #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
Dallas resident: You have the opportunity to look at the facts and listen to constituents' concerns. I hope you consider the fact that the regulations need to be updated. #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
City Council members followed up to residents' concerns by asking the district questions about methods, communication and safety standards.
Q: If a resident wants water tested at home, how can they do that? #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
A: Contact city's public works department to schedule a water test. TCEQ can also test water. #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
Q: Will city continue its own independent tests?
A: Yes. #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 4, 2018
Q: Can residents use a pool test kit to test water? #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
A: Many pool tests kits are used past their useful life, so they're not as accurate. Look at multiple sources to test water. #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
Q: Are you satisfied with district's timeliness in responding to concerns? #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
A: We could have been quicker, sure. Many concerns were on social media. #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
Q: How are water standards set? #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
A: Standards are set at the federal government level through public comment periods, tests, etc. #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
Q: Simply is the water safe?
A: The water is safe to drink. #FriscoCouncil
— Community Impact FRS (@impactnews_frs) April 3, 2018
The city announced the results of an independent study Tuesday, which it says shows that the water is safe.
Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney said this is only the beginning of the discussion regarding the water district's processes and that this would be an agenda item in upcoming meetings.
