I want to bring the below Austin Water notice to your attention. The boil water notice currently only applies to southwest Austin and Lost Creek, and is a precautionary measure. Please note that Austin Water is now requiring mandatory conservation measures citywide. Please do your part. The information I currently have available is below, and I will provide updates as I receive them.
We also received new information on shelter transportation: For individuals who are unable to shelter in place and must travel to one of the shelters listed above due to medical necessity, please contact 311 to arrange transportation. You can also email coaemergencyrides@austintexas.gov and provide your name, phone number, address, number of people needing transport and medical needs. Transportation resources are extremely limited, and the public is asked to reserve this resource for our most vulnerable population, especially those who require power for their medical devices.
MESSAGE FROM AUSTIN WATER:
Austin Water is asking customers in southwest Austin and Lost Creek neighborhood to boil their water prior to using it for drinking or cooking, until further notice. The boil water notice is required because water pressure in portions of the water distribution system dropped below minimum standards. Maps of the affected areas are available and will be updated at this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/boil-water-notice-and-faqs
“This boil water notice is currently in specific areas and is a precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of our customers. Austin Water has not detected contaminants in the water we are providing.” said Greg Meszaros, Austin Water Director.
Austin Water’s treatment plants are functioning normally. Even so, water use has far exceeded typical water usage and exceeded water production by 250 percent over the past 24 hours. Water pressure and water storage have significantly dropped throughout Austin Water’s service area in the past day.
The combination of burst pipes at homes or businesses, Austin Water system water main breaks, and increased customer demand from dripping faucets or storing extra water are creating extraordinary high-water demand.
To avoid additional impacts to water service, such as a citywide boil water notice, impacts to fire protection, or widespread lack of water service, Austin Water is immediately requiring mandatory conservation measures:
Limit water use to essential needs;
Now that temperatures are rising, turn off dripping faucets indoors and outdoors;
Delay the use of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers;
Report water main breaks to Austin Water at 512-972-1000;
If pipes at your home or business have burst, stop water waste by turning off your water at the property-owners cut-off valve. If you are unable to locate your property-owners cut-off valve or if it won’t work, then call Austin Water at 512-972-1000 for assistance with turning off your water.
Austin Water will provide regular updates at austinwater.org.
Additional information and Frequently Asked Questions about a Boil Water Notice are available at austintexas.gov/BoilH2o.
Official Notice Language
Due to a drop in water pressure below minimum standards, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required Austin Water to notify all affected customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, Austin Water will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, Austin Water will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Due to a drop in water pressure, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Austin Water to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Austin Water at 512-972-1000.
