Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Question: How much water do the citizens of Lubbock consume?
Answer: Lubbock's average water customer uses approximately 157 gallons of water per day. Total annual consumption was 6 billion gallons 2008.
Question: Do we have less water today than we did 100 years ago?
Answer: There is the same amount of water on Earth as there was 3 billion years ago. Today, many more demands are placed on the same amount of water. These increased demands have, in a sense, created a different kind of water: water that is regulated, treated, and sold.
Question: Is water gone after you use it?
Answer: After water is used, it’s recycled innumerable times. Some water is recycled for use within a week; other water may not be used again for year.
Question: Is water fragile and will it be ruined by so much use?
Answer: Water is resilient and responds well to treatment; however, using water and abusing water by contaminating lakes, streams, and wells with toxic chemicals are two different things. To keep our drinking water safe, it needs not only appropriate treatment, but also appropriate source protection.
Question: Why should we have to worry about drinking water?
Answer: We can no longer take our drinking water for granted. Public participation is vital to protecting our water sources, building adequate treatment plants, improving water delivery, analyzing costs versus risks, and enacting appropriate legislation.
Question: Are there more pollutants in drinking water today than there were 25 years ago?
Answer: Maybe, maybe not. There may be more contaminants that can enter our water sources today. We did not have the technology to know what was in our drinking water 25 years ago. Today we have sophisticated testing equipment that enables us to know more about our water than ever before. With this kind of knowledge, the drinking water community is taking steps to treats what's in our water, to address the source of pollution, and keep our water safe and wholesome.
Question: Is "new" water better than treated water?
Answer: There is very little water on Earth that is "new". Most of our water has been touched by some type of human or animal activity. Even in "pristine" wilderness areas, studies have found bacteria contaminated water. Therefore, it's always best to drink water that you know has been treated.
Question: What is the hardness of Lubbock’s drinking water?
Answer: The hardness of Lubbock's drinking water is 16-18 grains per gallon.
Question: When can I water my lawn?
Answer: April 1st to September 30th, 6 pm to 10 am. October 1st to March 31st, anytime when temperatures are not freezing.
Question: How do I know if I have watered 1 inch?
Answer: Use a rain gauge, tuna cans, or catch cans, to measure as you water.
Question: How do I become registered as a Backflow Assembly Tester in the City of Lubbock?
Answer: Contact Water Utilities Backflow Program at 806-775-3512 to schedule an appointment or click here for more information.
Question: I am installing an irrigation system. As a homeowner, am I required to have a permit?
Answer: Yes, contact Building Inspection at 806-775-3191 to apply.
Question: How do I drain my swimming pool?
Answer: Call the Industrial Waste Monitoring Inspectors at 806-775-3221 for information.
Question: Who do I contact for new water service, questions about my water bill or help with payment arrangements?
Answer: Call LP&L at 806-775-2509
Question: If I have a water emergency, who do I call?
Answer: Please call Water Utilities, 24 hours a day, 806-775-2588.
Question: How do they read my meter when the grass has grown over the cover or there is water in my meter box?
Answer: The meter readers carry the necessary tools to lift the lid so the dial can be read in any condition.
Question: Who do I call if I have a sewer problem or see a manhole overflowing?
Answer: Please call Water Utilities, 24 hours a day, 806-775-2588.