NEWS
BWA Improves On-Line Account Access
On May 1, 2012, BWA launched improvements to its on-line customer account interface in order to provide more options to its customers.
The new system enhancements include giving customers the ability to enroll in automatic bank draft, automatic credit card draft, as well as the ability to create a unique password for account access. Customers may also sign up to receive their bills, payment reminders and late notices via email. Additionally, customers can update account information such as email address and phone number.
Some security enhancements were also introduced with the update, including an address verification process. This process requires a match between the credit card billing address entered by the customer and the billing address on file with the card issuer.
To login to the on-line account center, click here.
Stage 1 Drought Restrictions Lifted Effective 5/4/2012
Please be advised that due to the end of drought conditions and rebounding lake levels, BWA, in conjunction with the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD), will lift Stage 1 drought restrictions on May 4.
Recent rains and the resulting runoff have replenished our water supplies. The combined storage capacity of TRWD's reservoirs, which includes Benbrook Lake, is above 95 percent. And, an analysis of available supplies indicates there is little threat of returning to Stage 1 conditions any time this summer.
BWA appreciates your cooperation with the implementation of the Stage 1 restrictions during the extreme drought conditions we experienced in 2011.
Board of Directors Moves General Election Date to November
The 82nd Texas Legislature implemented the federal Military and Overseas Voter Enhancement Act (MOVE) in 2011 with the passge of Senate Bill 100. This act changes the primary and primary runoff dates for the State of Texas, causing an overlay between the most commonly-used uniform election date for local government general elections, which is the second Saturday in May. Senate Bill 100 removed the requirement for County Elections Administrators to provide local governmental entities assistance in elections through contract or joint elections in even-numbered years.
Tarrant County informed BWA that following the May 2012 election, they may not be able to provide the electronic voting machines that are required by the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) to Tarrant County entities holding elections--through sharing, lease or other means.
Entities holding elections in May of even-numbered years have been encouraged to provide another means of conducting their own elections either through purchasing equipment necessary to conduct elections, changing elected officials terms so that they are only elected in odd-numbered years, or adopting a resolution moving their May general election dates to the November general election date. Senate Bill 100 authorizes local governments to change the May election date to the November uniform election date by adopting a resolution to that effect. The BWA Board adopted Resolution 2012-4 at its meeting on February 7, 2012.
The passage of Resolution 2012-4 adjusted the terms of office for the three (3) Directors elected in May 2008 to the November 2013 uniform electon date. It also adjusted the term of office for the two (2) Directors elected in May 2010 to the November 2015 uniform election date. Thereafter, BWA elections shall be held on the November uniform election date in odd-numbered years.
Information Regarding Recent Solicitation on Water Line Coverage
Some Benbrook residents have received a letter in the mail from an independent company named American Water Resources of Texas inviting you to subscribe to a Water Line Protection Program offered by American Water Resources of Texas.
Please know that Benbrook Water Authority (BWA) does not endorse or question the program offered in the American Water Resources of Texas solicitation. As a valued customer and in response to inquiries we have received regarding the solicitation, the BWA would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some facts and helpful tips to help you make an informed decision regarding the Water Line Protection Program advertised by American Water Resources of Texas.
Facts: American Water Resources of Texas is not affiliated with the BWA. BWA does not endorse any programs offered by third-party companies.
Tips: BWA reminds you to review your homeowner's insurance policy or to contact your insurance provider to ask questions about the Water Line Protection Program, whether repairs to a water service line are events already covered under your current homeowner's insurance policy, and whether this is coverage that you need or not. If you are interested in the product, contact American Water Resources of Texas and ask specific detailed questions about the Water Line Protection Program and get responses in writing. Contact your Better Business Bureau office to inquire about these or any other companies that send you solicitations (even if the companies may not be members).
We hope these facts and tips are helpful to you to make an informed decision.
EPA Challenge
Unfortunately, efforts over the past 10 months to gain support to Challenge the EPA Disinfectant Byproduct Rules have been unsuccessful. We generated over 60 letters to the U.S. EPA, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and Texas state and U.S. legislators. The result is no action. We can find no advocate to correct U.S. EPA abuses. The letters and responses remain posted here for review.
Our inability to gain support from our elected representatives leaves us disillusioned with the growing government incompetence and the reluctance to rein in U.S. EPA excesses. This disappointing experience reinforces the fact that we have the best representative government that special interests and lobbyists can buy.
Rather than spending public money for our own lobbyist to mount the necessary political support for a successful challenge, we are declaring defeat. We apologize for having to continue to waste your money on overreaching, unjust U.S. EPA regulations.