Dear Neighbors,
I understand that many of you are frustrated with the water boil order, especially after two ice days and two years of pandemic restrictions. For all of us, especially those with children and elderly relatives, this has been a very difficult period. Our City leadership is devoted to doing everything we can to restore normal water service as quickly as possible. This is my most important immediate priority and I will keep you informed.
This morning I am writing to share some additional information that you may find useful as we navigate this boil water notice. Below I have included the latest updates regarding the steps required to lift the boil water notice and initial water distribution locations. I just communicated with Austin Water. Their most current estimate is that normal water service will be restored by sometime Tuesday, hopefully sooner. We should have a greater understanding on timing after 3 pm today and I will keep you informed as I learn more. I also have communicated your frustrations to the leadership of Austin Water and emphasized the need to get water service restored as soon as possible.
Please share this information with your neighbors. I will continue to provide updates on Facebook, Twitter, and via my email newsletter as I receive them. I also recommend bookmarking AustinTexas.gov/Alerts.
As a reminder, drinking/cooking water must be at a rolling boil for two minutes before consumption, and mandatory water conservation measures are in effect. Read more on this FAQ page.
Regards,
Alison Alter
Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member, District 10
How Does the Boil Water Notice Get Lifted?
Lifting the Boil Water Notice in this instance involves five steps.
We have completed the first step: Ullrich Water Treatment Plant is back online.
Once normal operations are restored, water sampling will be conducted to test the water quality. Test results can take up to a day to receive. Once we are confident that treated water meets water quality standards, we submit documentation to the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality who authorizes lifting the Boil Water Notice.
Public Water Distribution Sites
Four water distribution sites will be open to the public Sunday as part of a phased plan to help residents during the Citywide Boil Water Notice in effect for Austin.
The sites are in the following locations:
Travis County Expo Center
7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Austin Water Glen Bell Service Center*
3907 S. Industrial Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Hours: Open 24 Hours
* Customers must bring an empty water container.
Austin Water North Service Center*
901 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756
Hours: Open 24 Hours
* Customers must bring an empty water container.
Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex
10211 W Parmer Ln, Austin, TX 78717
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m.
Most of the sites opening in the first phase were selected based on community need prioritizing areas with high levels of food insecurity.
Residents who have the ability and means are asked to purchase their own water so that limited supplies at distribution sites can go to those who need it most.
The City plans to open more sites as additional water supply becomes available.
