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Horseshoe Bend resident Linda Alg was just one of many that struggled with water issues all summer before Mark Patterson was appointed the temporary manager over the system by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. A civil lawsuit has been filed by the State of Texas against the system’s owner Castle Water Inc. 

Horseshoe Bend resident Linda Alg was just one of many that struggled with water issues all summer before Mark Patterson was appointed the temporary manager over the system by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. A civil lawsuit has been filed by the State of Texas against the system’s owner Castle Water Inc. 

Horseshoe Bend residents are on Stage 4 water restrictions after it was discovered that equipment, including a pump, of one of the wells had been removed on Monday.

Temporary manager over the HSB water system Mark Patterson said he did file a report with the Parker County Sheriff’s Office after he noticed the equipment was missing from one of the system’s primary wells.

“Someone stole the pump, motor and wiring out of one of the wells,” Patterson said. “We implemented Stage 4 water use restrictions, in-house use only, and things are stable currently. [It was a] very critical well, it was their second best well located on the golf course near hole 3.”

But after some digging, Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said his investigator confirmed that the company that installed the pump came and removed it because of non-payment from Castle Water Inc., the owner of the system.

“It’s for non-payment, so it’s a civil matter now. They didn’t get paid, so they removed it,” Fowler said. “You have to have a big truck and pull the pump up because it’s 400 feet under the ground, so people don’t just go around stealing those things.”

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Media Relations Specialist Andrew Keese said they conducted an investigation on Wednesday.

“On or about Sept. 16, the down-hole well equipment was removed from one of the eight groundwater wells currently in service for the Horseshoe Bend water system. TCEQ investigators conducted an onsite investigation on Sept. 18. Investigators have documented the condition of the well and monitored disinfectant residuals and measured distribution pressure, which were compliant with regulatory standards,” Keese said. “TCEQ is in communication with the temporary manager and is providing information as needed. Parker County Emergency Management has been apprised of the situation and are on standby to assist if bottled water is needed.”

Keese said a boil water notice was issued on Tuesday as a precaution after the equipment was removed.

“[Patterson] is also requesting the customer conserve water by complying with Stage 4 water restrictions. The disinfectant residuals and distribution pressure are compliant with regulatory standards, and the boil water notice will be rescinded when negative bacteriological samples are confirmed by a laboratory,” Keese said. “[Patterson] has been in contact with the Parker County Sheriff’s Office.”

Patterson was appointed as the temporary manager over the HSB water system this summer after the system’s owner, Castle Water, Inc. was referred to the office of the attorney general for investigation. Castle Water Inc. had several violations and residents suffered multi-day water outages before Patterson took over operations of the system. Since Patterson took over, residents said their worries have been eased and they have been happy with the service they’re receiving.

The office of the attorney general released a preliminary petition document in a civil lawsuit in the State of Texas versus Castle Water Inc./Texas Rain Holding Company.

“This matter involves a public drinking water system where defendants have not adhered to the requirements applicable to public drinking water suppliers, including ensuring that a safe and adequate drinking water supply is provided to the customers,” according to the document.

According to the document, TCEQ and the Public Utility Commission are seeking the appointment of a receiver, civil penalties, collection of unpaid public health services fees, injunction relief and attorney’s fees for violations of safe drinking water laws at the HSB public water system. The state’s claims for civil penalties could exceed $100,000. 

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