AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The City of Austin is under a city-wide boil water notice, Austin Water officials announced Saturday evening.
According to the city, the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant is out of service due to an internal treatment process issue that resulted in high turbidity within the plant.
Officials say they are currently maintaining water service to customers by increasing water production at Davis and Handcox Water Treatment Plants and by carefully managing pumping within the network of water pipelines.
"We all need to do our part when something like this happens, and we will. We can also be frustrated, as I am, that there's yet another situation to deal with," said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. "We can be thankful, too, that the situation was noticed quickly and steps taken, any public health risk is very, very small, and we're much better prepared right now with equipment and supplies as we open water distribution stations. It appears this will be over in a couple of days, and the city will keep everyone informed along the way. Please help your neighbors."
Any water recovered from plumbing systems should be boiled before drinking or cooking with it following the guidelines at www.austintexas.gov/page/boil-water-notice-and-faqs.
While the boil water notice remains in effect, water customers are urged to reduce their usage as much as possible. For residential customers, outdoor water usage is prohibited, including the usage of water for irrigation or testing of irrigation equipment; washing of vehicles, including at commercial car wash facilities; washing of pavement or other surfaces; adding water to a pool or spa; conducting foundation watering; or operating an ornamental fountain or pond, other than aeration necessary to support aquatic life.
Commercial customers are also urged to reduce usage except in cases where health and safety are involved. Commercial customers are also prohibited from using water for irrigation purposes (including athletic fields) and conducting commercial car washing.