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Where does our water come from?
Generally speaking, Searcy is a "Surface Water" supplied system. Our water comes from the Little Red River. For us it originates from the deep, cool, bottom waters of the Greer's Ferry Dam discharge. The Searcy Utility has an impoundment dam that forms a considerable supply "lake" on the Little Red River to sufficiently provide source water, even in periods of infrequent dry weather.
Generally speaking, Searcy is a "Surface Water" supplied system. Our water comes from the Little Red River. For us it originates from the deep, cool, bottom waters of the Greer's Ferry Dam discharge. The Searcy Utility has an impoundment dam that forms a considerable supply "lake" on the Little Red River to sufficiently provide source water, even in periods of infrequent dry weather.
Is Searcy's water fluoridated?
In the 2010 legislative session, Act 197 (An Act to provide for certain water systems to maintain a level of fluoride to prevent tooth decay) was passed requiring Searcy to continue to add Fluoride to the Public drinking water as State law. The optimal level goal is 0.7 mg/l or parts per million.
In the 2010 legislative session, Act 197 (An Act to provide for certain water systems to maintain a level of fluoride to prevent tooth decay) was passed requiring Searcy to continue to add Fluoride to the Public drinking water as State law. The optimal level goal is 0.7 mg/l or parts per million.
What is Searcy's water hardness value?
Typically Searcy water is very "Soft" and has an average value of approximately 25-30 mg./l or 1.5 grains per gallon. This is important as it should take much less soap or detergent to do the same work as water with a "harder" value. Under 60 mg/l Hardness is considered "Soft Water." Compared to ground water, surface water has less contact time with minerals that create hardness conditions.
Typically Searcy water is very "Soft" and has an average value of approximately 25-30 mg./l or 1.5 grains per gallon. This is important as it should take much less soap or detergent to do the same work as water with a "harder" value. Under 60 mg/l Hardness is considered "Soft Water." Compared to ground water, surface water has less contact time with minerals that create hardness conditions.
Which other utilities purchase/use Searcy water?
Searcy sells water wholesale to surrounding utilities for resale to their rural customers. Searcy sells water to South West White County (SOWCO), South East White County (SEWCO), North East White County (NOWCO), 4-Mile Hill Water, Judsonia Water, Kensett Water, North East White County Water Assoc. (Bald Knob, Bald Knob North, and Russell). In all Searcy pumps, processes, and distributes drinking water for the greater White County area and a population total of nearly 60,000 residents.
Searcy sells water wholesale to surrounding utilities for resale to their rural customers. Searcy sells water to South West White County (SOWCO), South East White County (SEWCO), North East White County (NOWCO), 4-Mile Hill Water, Judsonia Water, Kensett Water, North East White County Water Assoc. (Bald Knob, Bald Knob North, and Russell). In all Searcy pumps, processes, and distributes drinking water for the greater White County area and a population total of nearly 60,000 residents.
What is my home's water pressure; what should it be?
Surprising to most consumers, water pressure is determined by gravity. Your home's pressure is dependent on the difference in water elevation from the surface in the supply water storage tank and your actual home fixtures, minus the friction losses imparted by the water traveling through the pipelines and demands on feeder lines before arriving at your home. A good average is 50-60 psi. The minimum required by the State Department of Health is 20 psi. If the water pressure is much over 75 psi a pressure regulator may be required to bring it back to lower levels to prevent home plumbing damage. The service tanks do ride and fall with demand but seldom enough for consumers to notice pressure changes. If you have drastic pressure changes please contact the Searcy Water Utility and report it.
Surprising to most consumers, water pressure is determined by gravity. Your home's pressure is dependent on the difference in water elevation from the surface in the supply water storage tank and your actual home fixtures, minus the friction losses imparted by the water traveling through the pipelines and demands on feeder lines before arriving at your home. A good average is 50-60 psi. The minimum required by the State Department of Health is 20 psi. If the water pressure is much over 75 psi a pressure regulator may be required to bring it back to lower levels to prevent home plumbing damage. The service tanks do ride and fall with demand but seldom enough for consumers to notice pressure changes. If you have drastic pressure changes please contact the Searcy Water Utility and report it.
My water is discolored or dingy…is it safe?
It is advisable to report discolored water conditions as it may indicate a broken service line we need to know about. Generally, water discoloration is caused by one of two conditions. A flow disturbance linked to line maintenance, unusual high flows, or Fire Hydrant operation dislodging the buildup residue on the inner surface of pipes. This is comprised of tiny particles of minerals, namely iron or manganese, that can make water noticeably rusty red or yellow. These particles build up over time and must be flushed out of the system on a scheduled basis. Another condition is the breakdown of treatment processes that go unnoticed until dissolved manganese is oxidized by disinfection with chlorine. This forms a small yellow particle that is noticeable in white fixtures like tubs and toilets at levels as small as 30 ug/l or parts per billion. In both cases the water is still "safe" and has sufficient disinfection, but it often will discolor garments washed in it. It is advisable to wait till the water clears before washing clothes and causing staining.
It is advisable to report discolored water conditions as it may indicate a broken service line we need to know about. Generally, water discoloration is caused by one of two conditions. A flow disturbance linked to line maintenance, unusual high flows, or Fire Hydrant operation dislodging the buildup residue on the inner surface of pipes. This is comprised of tiny particles of minerals, namely iron or manganese, that can make water noticeably rusty red or yellow. These particles build up over time and must be flushed out of the system on a scheduled basis. Another condition is the breakdown of treatment processes that go unnoticed until dissolved manganese is oxidized by disinfection with chlorine. This forms a small yellow particle that is noticeable in white fixtures like tubs and toilets at levels as small as 30 ug/l or parts per billion. In both cases the water is still "safe" and has sufficient disinfection, but it often will discolor garments washed in it. It is advisable to wait till the water clears before washing clothes and causing staining.
I notice a different taste in my water… why?
We advise to report any drastic change in the taste of your water immediately as a precaution. However, common causes are that chlorine levels are either too high or low from our target goal. The chlorine is added only at the treatment plant and degrades with both time and temperature. These conditions vary greatly as the water travels literally miles and is stored for some time in metal or concrete tanks. If the chlorine level is below our target "break point" the water can have an "earthy taste." Conversely, if too high it can have more of a chemical or bleach character. Both conditions maintain adequate disinfection but taste may be different from normal. It is rare, but algae blooms and seasonable thermal inversions (lake turnover in the river impoundment) can cause short lived earthy water flavor. We need to know if you notice changes as we strive to maintain the highest quality and palatable water for our customers.
We advise to report any drastic change in the taste of your water immediately as a precaution. However, common causes are that chlorine levels are either too high or low from our target goal. The chlorine is added only at the treatment plant and degrades with both time and temperature. These conditions vary greatly as the water travels literally miles and is stored for some time in metal or concrete tanks. If the chlorine level is below our target "break point" the water can have an "earthy taste." Conversely, if too high it can have more of a chemical or bleach character. Both conditions maintain adequate disinfection but taste may be different from normal. It is rare, but algae blooms and seasonable thermal inversions (lake turnover in the river impoundment) can cause short lived earthy water flavor. We need to know if you notice changes as we strive to maintain the highest quality and palatable water for our customers.
How do I read my water bill?
The top left portion of your water bill gives a detailed breakdown of your charges. Please click here to view a sample copy of a Searcy Water Utilities bill with a detailed description of each line of billing information and other pertinent information.
The top left portion of your water bill gives a detailed breakdown of your charges. Please click here to view a sample copy of a Searcy Water Utilities bill with a detailed description of each line of billing information and other pertinent information.