Austin Water Issues Citywide Boil Water Notice

The city of Austin issued a precautionary boil water notice Saturday evening, citing an internal treatment process issue at Ullrich Water Treatment Plant that resulted in high turbidity within the plan. That plant is out of service while crew addresses the issue.

In the meantime, Austin Water is 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," according to a press release from the city. Ullrich is Austin's largest water treatment facility. The city was set to open public water distribution sites for those in need on Sunday; scroll down for sites and times.

Central Texans probably don’t need a boil water notice explained to them; we got lots of practice during last year’s devastating Winter Storm Uri. But just in case, here’s the fine print from the city's Boil Water Notice FAQs:

You should boil tap water vigorously for at least two minutes prior to using it for drinking or cooking (the minute starts when the water begins to bubble). This includes water used for brushing teeth, making ice, washing raw foods, preparation of drinks and water for pets. Wait for the water to cool before using it or store it in the refrigerator in a clean container. Boiling removes harmful bacteria in the water that may cause illness. You should throw away ice made during the time the advisory or notice was issued, as freezing does not kill bacteria.

Emergency water use restrictions are also in effect in order to ensure water is available for firefighting and basic needs. During this time, Austin Water residential customers are asked to cut back on indoor water use, and all outdoor water use is prohibited.

In a statement, Mayor Steve Adler appealed to Austinites' sense of civic duty: "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," he said. "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."

Follow Austin Water on Twitter and the city's Active Emergency Information Hub for updates.

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Four water distribution sites will be open to the public Sunday as part of a phased plan to help residents during the Citywide Boil Water Notice in effect for Austin.

Travis County Expo Center
7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724
Hours: 10am-6pm

Austin Water Glen Bell Service Center*
3907 S. Industrial Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Hours: Open 24 Hours
* Customers must bring an empty water container.

Austin Water North Service Center*
901 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756
Hours: Open 24 Hours
* Customers must bring an empty water container.

Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex
10211 W Parmer Ln, Austin, TX 78717
Hours: noon-5pm