Austin Water lifts mandatory boil water notice
Austin Water has lifted the boil water notice that has been in place since Monday, Oct. 22, 2018.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has allowed the following Austin Water wholesale customers to lift their boil water notices: City of Rollingwood, City of Sunset Valley, Creedmoor Maha WSC, High Valley WSC, Marsha WSC, Mid-Tex Utility, Morningside Subdivision, Nighthawk WSC, Northtown MUD, North Austin MUD, Rivercrest Water System, Travis County WCID #10, Wells Branch MUD, and Windermere Utility.
Customers no longer need to boil water used for drinking, cooking and making ice.
However, mandatory ware use restrictions remain in place for outdoor watering.
Water quality testing submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has confirmed that tap water meets all regulatory standards and is safe for human consumption.
Historic flooding on the Llano River poured unprecedented amounts of dirt, silt and debris into the Highland Lakes, the source of the City's water supply. The flood waters significantly affected the clarity, known as turbidity, of the water in lakes Travis and Austin from which Austin draws its water.
In response, Austin Water on Monday, Oct. 22 implemented mandatory water-use restrictions, urged customers to limit water use to basic needs, and issued a precautionary boil water notice.
On Wednesday, Oct. 24, Austin Water announced that the boil water notice was mandatory because the turbidity standard for treated water temporarily exceeded the state standard.
"Thank you to our customers for your cooperation and for taking actions to cut back your water use. As we lift the boil water notice, we need your continued help to limit water use until our plants return to full operation levels," said Greg Meszaros, Director of Austin Water. "In our 100-year history, we have never seen conditions like we experienced this week. To say that this is unprecedented is an understatement. After we return to regular operations, staff will analyze the data and determine what steps are necessary to ensure the resiliency of our systems. We recognize the trust that our customers put in our services every day, and we will continue to work hard to maintain that trust."
WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE WITH AUSTIN WATER HERE
Restrictions remaining in place include:
- No outdoor irrigation
- No adding water to pools or spas
- No operation of ornamental fountains
- No at-home pressure washing, vehicle or surface washing
If customers have questions concerning this matter, they may contact City of Austin 3-1-1, visit austintexas.gov/BoilH2O or follow @austinwater on social media.