Dear Neighbors,

The boil water notice now has been lifted for all Austin Water customers. You can read Austin Water’s full press release here. I would like to remind you that flushing household pipes, ice makers, water fountains, etc. prior to using for drinking or cooking is recommended. Flushing simply means letting the water run to ensure that there is fresh water flowing through your pipes.

Use the following guidelines for flushing:

• Run all cold water faucets in your home for one minute

• Flush automatic ice makers by making three batches of ice and discarding

• Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle

I want to thank you for your ongoing efforts to conserve water. As Austin Water works to repair broken pipes and fully restore our system, some water use restrictions still apply. At this time, customers may not:

• Use water for irrigation or testing of irrigation equipment

• Wash vehicles, including at commercial car wash facilities

• Wash pavement or other surfaces

• Add water to a pool or spa

• Conduct foundation watering, or

• Operate an ornamental fountain or pond, other than aeration necessary to support aquatic life

Any violation of these restrictions should be reported to 3-1-1.

Some parts of Austin are struggling with food access and major home repairs. For many in our community, the recovery process will stretch into the weeks and months ahead. I am grateful to the countless community members and organizations who have given time, money, or other resources to help. If you are looking for ways to help, please see yesterday’s newsletter here. Yesterday’s newsletter also includes ways to obtain help, including FEMA reimbursement or help with home repairs, updates on Austin Resource Recovery operations, Austin Energy billing information, a COVID-19 vaccine and testing update, and more. If you or someone you know is in critical need of food or water, please contact 2-1-1 or 3-1-1.

Please also be aware of potential price gouging attempts (demanding exorbitant prices for necessities such as fuel, food, medicine, lodging, building materials, construction tools, etc.) while our community is under a declared emergency. The County Attorney’s office has issued consumer protection guidance, including information for how to report suspected price gouging.

My office will continue to share critical updates as we receive them. Please encourage your neighbors to subscribe at bit.ly/d10newsletters to stay apprised of the latest information and updates from the city.

Sincerely,

Alison Alter

City Council Member, District 10