Residents of Odessa, Texas without water for two days during a heat wave

A disaster was declared by leaders in Odessa, Texas, after a burst water main left 165,000 residents without water for two days as the region was hit by a heatwave, Texas officials said.

“Loss of potable water at this time is expected to be forty-eight hours,” the disaster statement issued by Ector County said.

The disaster was declared after the water main in Odessa ruptured and gallon after gallon spilled onto the streets, dropping water pressure for the entire city system.

City officials said repair work on the water main took longer than expected.

The Odessa City Public Water System has issued a notice to boil water, which will remain in place until water pressure is restored and the water is deemed safe to use. Boiled or bottled water should be used for “washing hands/washing face, brushing teeth, drinking,” the city said.

“Children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these guidelines,” the city said.

However, some residents reported having no water at all or experiencing other problems.

“Brown water comes out of the taps. Does anyone know what’s going on,” reported KMID-TV.

According to local reports, water shortages have forced local hospitals to cancel surgeries, suspend summer school classes and close restaurants.

The Texas Department of Emergency Management has provided truckloads of bottled water to be distributed by local officials at distribution points, Gov. Greg Abbott said.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is working with local officials to repair the damage and test the water to meet state and federal drinking standards.