AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Water customers in two southwest Austin neighborhoods are being asked to boil water prior to using it for drinking or cooking, or use bottled water, until further notice - and the utility is immediately requiring conservation measures in an effort to prevent a city-wide boil water notice.
The boil water notice affects customers in southwest Austin, as well as the Lost Creek neighborhood. Specific maps of the affected areas are available on the city's website.
“This boil water notice is currently in specific areas and is a precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of our customers. Austin Water has not detected contaminants in the water we are providing.” said Greg Meszaros, Austin Water Director.
Austin Water’s treatment plants are functioning normally. Even so, water use has far exceeded typical water usage and exceeded water production by 250 percent over the past 24 hours. Water pressure and water storage have significantly dropped throughout Austin Water’s service area in the past day.
The combination of burst pipes at homes or businesses, Austin Water system water main breaks, and increased customer demand from dripping faucets or storing extra water are creating extraordinary high-water demand.
To avoid additional impacts to water service, such as a citywide boil water notice, impacts to fire protection, or widespread lack of water service, Austin Water is immediately requiring mandatory conservation measures:
*Limit water use to essential needs
*Now that temperatures are rising, turn off dripping faucets indoors and outdoors
*Delay the use of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers
*Report water main breaks to Austin Water at 512-972-1000
*If pipes at your home or business have burst, stop water waste by turning off your water at the property-owners cut-off valve. If you are unable to locate your property-owners cut-off valve or if it won’t work, then call Austin Water at 512-972-1000 for assistance with turning off your water.
“We understand that customers are facing many challenges, and we thank you in advance for your conservation efforts to help us get through this unprecedented weather event,” Meszaros said.