City of Tatum Waterworks – Boil Water Notice LIFTED 11/6/2025 1:15PM
Boil Water Notice Lifted – Safe to Resume Normal Water Use
The City of Tatum has officially lifted the Boil Water Notice as of 11/6/25.
Final laboratory results have confirmed that the water is safe for consumption and use. The required documentation has been submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the rescind request has been approved.
Effective immediately, residents may resume normal use of tap water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
Public notices are being posted at City Hall entrances, on the City website, and shared with local media outlets to ensure full community awareness.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this precautionary measure. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 903-803-3580.
— City of Tatum Administration
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UPDATE: Water Service Restored 11/5/25
Water service has been restored. However, residents may experience low water pressure throughout the remainder of the day. Normal pressure is expected to return by tomorrow.
A water sample has been delivered to Nacogdoches for testing. The analysis process typically takes 48–72 hours. Once results are received, we will notify the public accordingly.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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Effective Date: November 4, 2025 - Until Further Notice
Due to a broken water line, the City of Tatum is issuing a Boil Water Notice for all customers served by our public water system (PWS ID: 2010034). This action is mandated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure public health and safety.
Precautionary Measures
- To eliminate potentially harmful bacteria and other microbes, all water intended for drinking, cooking, or ice preparation should be boiled and cooled before use.
- Bring water to a vigorous rolling boil for at least two minutes.
- Alternatively, bottled water or water from a safe, approved source may be used.
Notification of Rescind
Once water quality has been restored and boiling is no longer necessary, a formal rescind notice will be issued using the same communication channels.
Contact Information
- For questions or concerns, please contact Michael Morton at 903-646-0593.
- To reach the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), call 512-239-4691.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to resolve this issue promptly and safely.
******* Public Notice: Water Line Disruption in Tatum******
Dear Tatum Residents,
We want to inform you that a contractor has accidentally damaged the main water line in Tatum. Our city personnel are actively working to repair the issue as quickly and safely as possible.
At this time, there is no estimated time for restoration. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you, City of Tatum
CITY / POLICE DEPARTMENT PHONE ISSUES 11/3/25 - 7:00pm
The City is currently experiencing issues with our cell phones. If you need an immediate response from the Police Department, call 911 for emergencies, or the non-emergency line at Rusk County Sheriff's Department: 903-657-3581. RCSO will reach out to the Police Department via radio.
11/3/25 - BURN BAN LIFTED
ATTENTION: TATUM CITIZENS
RE: HILIARY BROADBAND PROJECT
I understand that many of you have had questions regarding the status of the fiber installation. The City Council and I are concerned too. Please be advised that the letter below was sent to Hiliary Communications Executive Team. I will notify you of any updates as soon I receive them.
Mayor Michael Henry
October 20, 2025
Executive Leadership Team
Hiliary Communications
529 Telephone Park
Lawton, OK 73507
Dear Executive Leadership Team,
I am writing on behalf of the Tatum City Council and the residents of Tatum to formally request the attendance of an executive from Hiliary Communications—specifically one responsible for the fiber optics installation project in Tatum, Texas—at our forthcoming council meeting scheduled for November 10, 2025. Your presence is essential as we address the challenges and opportunities associated with this project.
Hiliary field crews have largely withdrawn from Tatum approximately three months ago, resulting in a significant lack of updates regarding the status of the fiber installation. This lack of communication is particularly troubling, especially considering the assurance provided by Mr. JJ Francais during our council meeting in November 2024, which indicated that the fiber network would be fully operational by September 2025.
Despite our continued efforts to obtain clarification, we have encountered a lack of response. It is crucial that a representative from your organization attends our next meeting to deliver a detailed update on the project's timeline, current status, and any challenges that may be hindering progress. Furthermore, this would establish an assigned point of contact for any future concerns or inquiries, which is critical for maintaining effective communication.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt confirmation of attendance.
Sincerely,
Michael Henry
Mayor, City of Tatum
Hilliary Executive Letter 102225.pdf
