Megan Navarro
WOODCREEK— Aqua Texas addressed its failure to collect the necessary coliform samples in one of its water systems.
During December 2024 and February 2025, Aqua Texas failed to collect every required coliform sample for the Woodcreek Utility Co TX 1050039 water system, according to a notice that customers received in March 2026. The system was required to collect three samples monthly, but only collected two during those months.
The required monthly coliform sampling was missed in the Woodcreek Utility system, due to staffing changes, Aqua Texas stated, adding that this was an oversight in monitoring and reporting, not a failure in water quality.
“The system’s disinfection process remained fully operational and daily chlorine levels consistently met all regulatory standards, confirming that the water remained safe to drink,” a statement from the water service provider read.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a water sample is present for total coliform or total coliform if bacteria is found in the tested sample. They are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, fecal bacteria designated by the E. coli species could be present.
Also, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, all accredited labs that analyze drinking water samples from public water systems for lead and copper, total coliforms and E. coli and water quality parameters are required to use a specific monitoring data portal. Public water systems must identify and correct sanitary defects and “potential pathways for fecal contamination into the drinking water system.”
Though only two of three samples were collected during December 2024 and February 2025, Aqua Texas informed its customers that none of the samples collected were positive for bacteria.
All required sampling procedures have also been reinforced since that time to ensure that this error does not happen again.
“There have been no additional missed samples, and no other systems were affected,” Aqua Texas stated. “While there was no immediate risk to public health, customers were notified in accordance with regulatory requirements and Aqua Texas remains committed to transparency and maintaining the highest standards of water safety.”
For more information, visit www.aquawater.com.
