The city of Austin has issued a citywide boil water notice.
The notice, issued at 3 a.m. on Monday, will remain in place until utility works can stabilize the water treatment system. Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in a press conference that Austinites should boil their water for at least three minutes before consumption.
Floodwaters in the Highland Lakes are full of debris and mud, which Austin Water said will require extended filtration. Water must reach a rolling boil for three minutes to kill any harmful bacteria and other organisms that can cause illness. Boiled or bottled water should be used for cooking and preparing foods.
Austin Water said boil orders typically last one or two days. This is the first time Austin Water has had to issue a boil water notice across the city.
Austin Water continued to remind customers Monday afternoon about the importance of reducing their water consumption during the boil water advisory, labeling it is an “emergency situation” on Twitter.
Officials with Austin Water said that their treatment plants currently produce 105 million gallons of water per day, while customer use is 120 million gallons per day.The agency said that water reservoir levels are at a minimum and immediate action is needed. Customers are asked to reduce personal water consumption anywhere from 15 percent to 20 percent. All outdoor water use should be ceased immediately.
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