On Oct. 25, Water & Wastes Digest reported that Austin, Texas was facing water shortages and residents were told to boil their tap water. It is now being reported, residents are now okay to drink their tap water again, without any boiling.
According to Statesman, Austin Water officials gave residents the okay on Oct. 28. Residents no longer need to boil their water before drinking it and do not need to flush the pipes in their homes, according to the water utility.
“Water has continued to circulate in the distribution system during the boil-water notice,” said Austin Water on its website. “Water used from laundry, showering, or boiling for consumption has created enough flushing effect for most homes. There should be no need to flush water from hot water heaters, irrigation systems, showers, clothes washing machines or outdoor faucets.”
The water utility is still recommending “drawing and discarding at least one quart of water from your refrigerator water dispenser before drinking,” according to Statesman.
According to their website, the ice makers should be emptied of ice created during the time residents had to boil water. They need to allow the machine to make new ice and discard any produced during the next 24 hours.
The water treatment system restored water quality enough for human consumption, according to city officials. Austin Water provided TCEQ laboratory test results showing the water no longer requires boiling.
The municipal Austin Water customers allowed to life boil rules by the TCEQ including the following: Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Creedmoor Maha WSC, High Valley WSC, Marsha WSC, Mid-Tex Utility, Morningside Subdivision, Nighthawk WSC, Northtown MUD, Rivercrest Water System, Travis County WCID No. 10 and Wells Branch MUD.
According to Statesman, Austin Mayor Steve Adler, City Manager Spencer Cronk and Austin Water Director Greg Meszaros celebrated the end of the boil-water notice in front of City Hall with glasses of tap water in hand.
“This was a big event, and we handled it well,” Adler said to Statesman. The city of Austin advised residents to save water instead of flushing water lines. However, Adler said, if it makes you feel better you still can.