TCEQ received 17 complaints of poor water quality near Canyon Lake. What is Texas Water Company doing to fix it?
SPRING BRANCH, Texas — Linda Shaw turned on the water faucet in the middle of August to find brown and yellow water coming out of the tap. It was disgusting, but she hoped it was a short-term problem.
“It turns your toilet bowl yellow. It’s gross,” Shaw said. “It looks like diluted tea.”
But it did not get better. Their water provider, the “Texas Water Company.” continued to have the issue.
Several weeks later Shaw was still having days with yellow water. So was her neighbor. Shaw and other people eventually reached out to KENS 5.
“I want it fixed!” Shaw said.
When KENS 5 reached out to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ )about the issue, we found out it was even more widespread.
A TCEQ spokesman said via email, “The TCEQ San Antonio Region Office has received 17 complaints relating to poor water quality within CLWSC Canyon Lake Shores since August 12, 2025. An investigation was initiated August 14, 2025, and is currently ongoing. Additional information will be available once the investigation is complete.”
When customers reached out to Texas Water Company, the company sent an email that stated the issue was due to “elevated levels of iron and manganese in the lake which are naturally occurring minerals.” The email also stated, “The water remains safe to drink and meets all primary health-related standards set by the EPA and TCEQ.”
Residents were not convinced.
“Would you have a glass of that?” Shaw asked while looking at the yellow water.
On September 9th, KENS 5 drive over to the Texas Water Company office east of Canyon lake to find out what was going on. No one at the office was willing to go on camera and staff instead referred us to their communications.
Water companies are required to test for pathogens, chemicals, and other contaminants regularly, so KENS 5 asked Texas Water Company to send us the latest water tests. KENS 5 also asked when the water issue would be fixed.
The Texas Water Company did not send us those tests. They also did not have a timeline other than “very soon.”
Texas Water Company did sent us a statement that said in part, “Since this issue began, we have actively investigated and made treatment adjustments, which are already showing visible improvements for many customers.”
They also said, “There has been an increase in tannins and manganese, natural organic compounds released from vegetation and soil—especially after heavy rainfall—and naturally occurring minerals in the lake. These changes have contributed to the discoloration observed by some customers. We have conducted regular water quality testing and confirmed through our state-certified laboratory that the water continues to meet all state and federal drinking water standards. However, we understand that visual changes in the water can cause concern, and we appreciate our customers’ patience.”
The company said, “We remain committed to ongoing improvements until the issue is fully resolved, which we expect to happen very soon.”
KENS 5 is also reaching out to the Texas Commission on Environmental quality (TCEQ )about the issue. While the agency is still investigating, TCEQ was able to confirm that the water provider is currently within state requirements:
“Based on a review of the most recent chemical compliance data available, CLWSC Canyon Lake Shores is currently in compliance with primary and secondary drinking water standards,” a TCEQ spokesman said.
KENS 5 will continue to follow up.