PUBLIC NOTICE VIOLATION

The COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM is a public water system subject to regulation under the federal Sage Drinking Water Act.

Those regulations require the notification of customers whenever a violation occurs, and is the basis for this notice. Only 19 of the required 20 valid bacteriological sample results, were received during   January 2025.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards and has determined that the presence of total coliforms is a possible health concern.

The water system did not conduct the requited monitoring or obtain valid results for the total coliform bacteria during this time period and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of the drinking water at the time.

Failure to meet this requirement does not necessarily mean that the water is unsafe or that alternate sources of water should be used.

The water system has a new level of checks and balances has been installed to make sure all samples returned for analyzation are recorded and documented on the mobile app.  Should you have any questions concerning this notice, contact the water system at 501-825-7294 or the Engineering Section of the Department of Health at 501-661-2623.

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CWS Water Rate Plan for 2024 thru 2028

As you are aware, in the last several years we have experienced several extreme weather events that have stretched our treatment system to its maximum capacity. In addition, continued growth throughout the system and increases in overall demand for water require that CWS expand its treatment capabilities. To plan for this expansion, CWS contracted with Willdan Financial Services to conduct a system-wide rate study and five-year financial plan.

To meet the timeline for this needed expansion, bonds will be issued in late 2024 and construction will begin in 2025. Therefore, the initial rate increase will occur with January 2024 usage. The base retail water rate per meter will be $31.40 and the demand charge will be $5.65 per 1000 gallons after the first 1000 gallons of usage. In other words, the average bill will increase approximately 13%.

Will there be more increases in the future? The short answer is yes. The rate study CWS conducted, as required by Act 605 of 2021 passed by the Arkansas Legislature, produced a five-year rate plan to cover the cost of new bonds for engineering and construction along with keeping pace with inflation over time. The plan calls for a 13% increase in rates for the years 2024 and 2025 then 3% increases for the years 2026 through 2028.

Keeping our water system in top condition requires continual investment, and as a non-profit water utility, our primary means of funding projects is by increasing water rates from time to time.

CWS strives to be equipped and prepared to ensure consistent quantity and high-quality water is delivered to every home in our system every day.