Frequently Asked Questions
What is the source of our water?
Oak Forest draws well water from two community wells. One well taps into the Edwards Aquifer and the other taps into the Trinity Aquifer. Oak Forest also has a one-way cross-over valve that allows Oak Forest to purchase water from Elliot Ranch if the Oak Forest water plant is off-line for: upgrades, maintenance, and/or repairs.
How is the water treated before distribution?
Oak Forest doesn’t have a water treatment plant. The plant (located at 326 Woodland Oaks Trail) pumps, stores, pressurizes, and distributes well water to the community. Chlorine is injected into the storage tank to deal with any bacteria and Phosphate is injected to help separate iron.
Is our water safe?
Yes. Water is drawn and sent to a lab for testing weekly.
Sometimes I get reddish-brown water. Why does that happen?
Unfortunately, Texas well water is hard water with iron and sulfur. You may notice a sulfur odor from time to time. It is the iron that gives the water the reddish-brown color. Depending upon use (flow) iron can settle in the tanks and pipes. The water pipes in the neighborhood, for the most part, follow the terrain. So, there are low spots when the iron can settle during low flow conditions. Also, during droughts, it appears that the lower the water level in the aquifers, the higher the concentration of iron.
What can be done about the reddish-brown water?
Oak Forest Water Supply Corporation (OFWSC) does the following...
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Injects phosphate into the water to bond with the iron and make it easier to flush.
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Periodically flushes the water main lines. The preference is to do that weekly or bi-weekly. However, during a drought, we must abide by water restrictions and balance flushing with water conservation. During a drought flushing is done on an as needed basis based on water quality.
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Cleans and flushes sediment from the water storage and pressure tanks annually.
Homeowners can ...
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Employ a whole house water filter or filters and/or a water softener. There is a variety of equipment being employed in the neighborhood.
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Periodically flush and service the hot water heater or heaters.
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Flush water lines in the home. Often the water will clear quickly.