I am a resident of Big Spring, Texas, and like many in our community, I face the daily struggle of dealing with unsafe water. It's not just about having to purchase water to drink and cook with; it goes beyond basic necessities. Imagine not being able to wash your hands or brush your teeth with the tap water. This is the reality for families across our community, including mine.

The residents of Big Spring are forced to purchase RO (reverse osmosis) water for drinking and cooking, an added expense that strains our budgets. Moreover, we have to use the unsafe tap water for washing clothes and flushing toilets, risking our health daily. This isn't just an inconvenience—it's a public health crisis that demands immediate action.

Unfortunately, this problem has persisted for far too long. According to a 2019 report by the Environmental Working Group, several contaminants exceeding safe levels have been identified in our water supply. These include dangerous chemicals like arsenic and bromate, which have been linked to severe health issues.

Immediate intervention is necessary to ensure that our water supply is safe. We need local authorities to invest in upgrading the water filtration systems and infrastructure to meet health and safety standards. Moreover, regular and transparent testing of our water, with results made accessible to the public, is essential.

The time for change is now. Let's fight for our community's right to clean and safe water. Join us in holding our local government accountable for resolving this critical issue. Please sign this petition and help advocate for a healthier and safer Big Spring.

                           UPDATE AS OF 06/06/2026

Executive Summary: Big Spring Water Contamination

The City of Big Spring public water system serves a local population of over 27,000 residents. It faces a systemic, multi-year crisis regarding compliance with federal safety metrics under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Data compiled by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exposes a troubling pattern of chemical exceedances. These require urgent infrastructure modernization, open public communication, and proactive remediation. 

Key Findings & Systemic Violations

Chronic TTHM Over-Exposure
The most persistent threat stems from Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs), which are toxic disinfection byproducts
The Threshold: The federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is strictly capped at 0.080 mg/L
The Violations: According to EPA Compliance History, the system has spent 10 out of the last 12 quarters in official noncompliance. It has triggered multiple consecutive "Enforcement Priority" flags
The Data: Over several consecutive testing periods, recorded levels spike dangerously above legal boundaries:    Late 2024: Reached 0.102 mg/L.
Mid-2025: Climbed to 0.107 mg/L.
Late 2025: Logged at 0.111 mg/L.
June 2026: A new public notice issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) confirms yet another ongoing TTHM violation, with spikes reaching 0.117 mg/L. [1]

Broader Water Quality Concerns
Disinfection Byproducts: Alongside TTHMs, the EWG Tap Water Database highlights significant concentrations of Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), which similarly compromise safety thresholds.
Treatment Failures: The facility has repeatedly logged Treatment Technique (TT) violations under the Surface Water Treatment Rules. This indicates operational failures in filtering microbial pathogens from its surface water source

Administrative and Enforcement Backlog
The local government’s failure to rapidly self-correct has forced intensive regulatory intervention.
63 Informal Enforcement Actions: The state has issued dozens of separate Violation and Reminder Notices over a five-year window.
Formal Orders: The system was slapped with a State Administrative/Compliance Order.
Public Notice Delays: The EPA database records separate compliance breakdowns explicitly for failing to notify the public about what is in the water on time.

Actionable Petition Demands
To resolve this ongoing public health threat, this petition requests that the City of Big Spring immediately implement the following measures:
Infrastructure Overhaul: Fast-track upgrades to treatment facilities. Focus on advanced filtration methods (like granular activated carbon) to permanently decrease TTHM and organic matter build-up. 
Transparent Reporting: Establish an accessible online portal. Publish raw chemical testing updates monthly, ensuring the public is never left waiting for delayed quarterly enforcement actions.
Independent Filtration Subsidies: Distribute certified point-of-use water filters to vulnerable homes. Prioritize low-income households and families with young children. Focus on areas unable to purchase premium personal filtration equipment.

https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=TX1140001#take-action​

https://echo.epa.gov/detailed-facility-report?fid=TX1140001&sys=SDWIS

The more signatures we can get the better chance of a positive outcome! Thank you all who have shown support!