AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Water Director Greg Meszaros announced Friday he's stepping down, just days after the city's third system-wide boil water notice in the past four years.
In addition, three employees at the city's Ullrich Treatment Plant who were involved in the "operational error" leading to the boil water notice have been placed on administrative leave, according to a memo sent to Council members Friday.
Meszaros' departure comes as questions surround the city-owned water utility and the circumstances that led to Saturday's boil water notice, which was issued late Saturday evening.
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"While I have loved my job as Director, and I am exceedingly proud of all that my team and I have accomplished over the nearly 15 years I have served as Austin Water's leader, I am ready to step aside," said Meszaros in a letter to City Manager Spencer Cronk.
Cronk is expected to appoint an interim director.
Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, who was recently named the chair of the council's Austin Water Oversight Committee, posted a statement to Twitter confirming Meszaros' resignation.
In a separate memo to Austin City Council members and Mayor Steve Adler, Meszaros laid out a timeline of the events leading to Saturday's boil water notice and answered some questions. Council members have announced several inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Saturday's boil water notice, including a special-called meeting next Tuesday, Feb. 15.
"Following initiation of the boil water notice, many questions arose from media, Council, and the public. While we were able to answer some questions in real time, many others needed more time and investigation. We have attempted to answer the bulk of the questions we received. Because there is an ongoing investigation, though, we will no doubt have more questions and answers in the coming weeks," said Meszaros.