▼

General

Show All Answers

1. When can I water my lawn?

We recommended watering before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. year-round. Watering during those times saves water from being lost to evaporation during the hottest time of the day. This recommendation is optional unless we’re in a drought stage.

We recommend following the weekly watering advice.

Receive alerts and manage your water use by signing up for our WaterSmart Portal.

2. What are backflow prevention devices?

Backflow prevention devices keep unwanted bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants from entering the drinking water supply.  They function to eliminate the possible flow of water potentially exposed to contaminants back into the drinking water supply in the event of a change in water pressure. This cross-contamination comes from connections such as sprinkler systems, hot tubs, hose bibs, or ornamental ponds.

3. Why do I sometimes see Benbrook Water Authority employees open fire hydrants?

Hydrant flushing is a routine maintenance activity that ensures the water’s quality in the distribution system. Most importantly, flushing ensures the water in the distribution system stays disinfected and safe to drink, and in certain circumstances, is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Also, naturally occurring minerals in our water tend to settle in mainline water pipes, which need high-velocity flushing in order to clear.

4. What can I flush down the toilet and put down the drain?

A good rule of thumb is only flush the 3Ps: pee, poop, and toilet paper. 

Never put fats, oils, and grease from cooking down the drain. Food scraps should be thrown in the garbage or composted, if possible. These things cause build up in the pipes that can result in sewer backups in your home. Defend your drains!

Never flush medications as this can contaminate local lakes, rivers, and streams.

5. How can I manage my water use?

You can track your household water usage with our unique customer portal, WaterSmart. This no-cost service is part of our commitment to provide customers with the best tools to manage their water use and their bill. WaterSmart allows customers to view daily water use, be alerted to possible leaks, and see their current statement as well as bill history. You can also set up a credit card draft so that your payment automatically occurs each month. Sign up here.

6. What is the relationship between the City of Benbrook and Benbrook Water Authority?

While we work closely with the City of Benbrook on various city projects, Benbrook Water Authority (BWA) is independent of the City of Benbrook. We provide water supply, treatment, and distribution, as well as wastewater collection services to the residents of Benbrook. A Board of Directors, elected by the citizens of Benbrook, governs us. Water and wastewater revenues, user charges, and impact fees fund the BWA operations.

7. Why do you charge for trash and recycling services?

BWA manages water accounts and billing. We have an interlocal agreement with the City of Benbrook to collect specific fees to be included with each monthly bill on behalf of the City of Benbrook. These fees include the Storm Water Utility System Fee and the Refuse & Recycling Fee. Once BWA receives the payment of these fees, the funds are passed along to the City of Benbrook. As a new resident, when you open a water service account, you’ll sign up for trash and recycling services. Residents may also pick up blue recycling bins at that time.

For more information on billing rates and fees, see this link.

8. How is my water meter read?

We use Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, which increases operational efficiency and meter reading accuracy and facilitates better customer service. Years ago, you might have seen meter readers walking through your neighborhood every month. With AMI meters, we can download water usage data from our office and provide details in real-time. 

You can keep a close eye on your water usage by signing up for the customer portal here.

9. Where does my water come from? How is it treated?

Our water comes mostly from Benbrook Lake, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and managed by Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD). We purchase the lake water from TRWD to treat at our water treatment plant. Likewise, 10 wells supplement the supply from Benbrook Lake. To learn how we turn lake and well water into safe, clean drinking water,click here.

10. What do I do if I have a sewer backup at my home?

We’re sorry if this happens to you.  We know it’s an inconvenience. When it happens, you should immediately call us at (817) 249-1250. A crew will check whether the blockage is occurring in a BWA-owned portion of the pipe before you call a private plumber. Residents can help prevent clogged sewer lines by not putting grease and food scraps down the sink or garbage disposal.

11. What is a water main break? What do I do if there is one in my neighborhood?

If you see water running down the street in your neighborhood, especially when it hasn’t been raining, this could indicate a water main break. First, you should report this event at (817) 249-1250; don’t assume that your neighbor will. We will dispatch a crew to the site, which usually takes 4-5 hours to repair. Before we put those lines back into use, the water is flushed and disinfected. The customer portal is the best way to receive notifications about water main breaks in your area. Sign up here.

12. How do I get access to Baja Beach at Benbrook Lake?

Baja Beach is a public recreation area along the shores of Lake Benbrook located in a gated area at the end of Beach Drive. To get access, you must purchase a key at Benbrook City Hall for $25, no reservation is required. Find more information here.

13. Why wasn’t my trash/recycling/brush/bulk items picked up on trash day?

At Benbrook Water Authority, we only bill you for this service. If there is an interruption in service, you must contact the City of Benbrook here: (817) 249-3000. For more information, visit the City of Benbrook’s Trash, Recycling, & Environmental Program.

14. What causes taste and odor in my water?

Tastes and odor in your drinking water can have multiple causes. Seasonal changes, along with naturally occurring organic compounds in the water supply, can result in an earthy taste and odor in the water, an occurrence that is harmless and normally short-lived. On occasion, a faint smell of chlorine may be detected near aerators, in washers, showers or running water. This is because part of our job is to ensure that the amount of chlorine in the water is within the proper range so that your water is always bacteriologically safe for you and your family. Although temporary changes in taste and odor of the water are normal, if you are experiencing unusual changes in your water quality, we want to know about it. Please contact us at (817) 249-1250 to report any concerns over water quality at your home or business.For more information about the treatment process, visit the Water Operations webpage.

15. Why is my water cloudy?

Cloudy water can occur in almost any location. This appearance is often caused by tiny air bubbles in the water and is harmless. Water pressure in the pipes and the air temperature outside are both factors that can influence the tap water. You can leave the water to sit for a minute, and the bubbles should dissipate.

16. Why was my water shut off without notice?

We must shut off the water when a water main break needs immediate attention. We understand it’s an inconvenience and strive to notify people in the area before crews begin repairing. However, sometimes the size of the break requires immediate action before notification is possible. 

A great way to receive information is through the customer portal, WaterSmart. Sign up here. 

17. What are sanitary sewer overflows?

Sanitary sewer overflows are when raw sewage backs up in the pipes underground and escapes through the manholes in the streets. These overflows are caused by damaged pipes or when blockages occur due to items that are flushed down the toilet or put down the drain that should not be. These items include all wet wipes, fats, oils, grease, etc.