San Antonio Water System (SAWS) has issued a citywide boil water notice.
SAWS posted the following information on its website:
This has been one of the most challenging winter storm events in San Antonio’s history. San Antonio Water System employees have worked tirelessly to provide and maintain water service.
As we struggle with low pressure and frozen pipes within homes, we believe that it is in the best interest of our customers to issue a “Voluntary Boil Water Notice” for water used for drinking, cooking and ice making. This cautionary measure is warranted until the region thaws.
The 100-plus hours of below-freezing temperatures have caused issues maintaining water pressure above 20 PSI in portions of the distribution system. At this time please take precautions to boil your water until you are notified from SAWS that you no longer need to do so.
We apologize for the inconvenience. Rest assured we are working around the clock to resolve the issues and restore full service to all our customers.
BOIL WATER PROCEDURES
- To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
- In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
- When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, SAWS will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
- Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, SAWS will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
ALTERNATIVES TO BOILING WATER ON A STOVE
- Other methods of boiling could include camp stoves, fish fryers and barbeque pits/grills. WARNING: NEVER USE A DEVICE WITH AN OPEN FLAME INSIDE YOUR HOME, GARAGE OR ENCLOSED SPACE. DOING SO CAN CAUSE CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND DEATH.
- Disinfect water by adding 1/8 teaspoon of household bleach per gallon of water. Shake or mix well and let sit for 30 minutes before consuming.
- Certain types of reverse osmosis or ultraviolet filter systems can make water safe to drink without boiling, if they are operating properly. Please check your filter’s safety documentation for guidance.