Despite a recent notice that Kempner Water Supply Corp. in May failed to collect the number of bacteriological samples required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, KWSC General Manager David Sneed said the water remains safe for all customers.

KWSC in May collected 14 bacteriological samples, one fewer than the TCEQ’s monthly requirement for routine water quality analysis and coliform bacteria testing. The error likely occurred, Sneed said, because of confusion about additional samples required in an area where a leak resulted in low water pressure.

The operator who collected a sample at the leak area likely thought the leak-related sample also would fulfill the routine bacteriological sample requirement, Sneed said. TCEQ standards, however, require the submission of separate samples for water quality testing and for leak response.

Although the failure to collect 15 routine samples prompted publication of a public notice, no order to boil water is required. Testing has not indicated bacterial problems in water, Sneed added.

TCEQ will not fine KWSC for submitting an insufficient number of samples in May, Sneed said. Water quality samples have been taken at all required locations within the KWSC distribution system, the general manager added.