What is the Austin boil water notice and when does it end?

A boiling water announcement was made in Austin, Texas, on the evening of Saturday, February 5, 2022.

Follow local report.

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What is the Austin Boiling Notice?

During the time of the boil water announcement, residents are encouraged to boil all water used for daily living for both people and pets.

This may include drinking water, water used to cook food or to brush teeth.

All water for use must be boiled for at least two minutes before cooling down for use.

Residents are warned not to put tap water in their mouths during the boil notice period, but can still wash their hands or shower.

According to the CDC, water used for washing machines is generally safe.

If using the dishwasher on the boil setting, the final wash temperature should be at least 150 degrees F.

When to end?

Austin officials released a citywide boil water notice on Saturday night, February 5, 2022.

According to an Austin Water representative, the announcement is estimated to last “several days.”

What needs to happen to announce the end of boiling?

Before the Austin boil water announcement was lifted, officials announced a five-step plan to accomplish:

First, the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant had to be back up and running. Based on local reportthe factory resumed operations around 9 a.m. on Sunday, February 6.

Next, Ullrich needs to operate at “normal production.” After that, water sampling will begin.

When the water sample results show no problems with the water quality, the authorities of the Texas Environmental Quality Commission will remove the notice.

What caused the water boiling notice in Austin?

According to Austin Water Manager Greg Meszaros, the announcement was made following a “disturbed treatment process” at the Ullrich plant that resulted in cloudy water.

Turbidity is a measure of water clarity – the more sediment the water has, the higher the turbidity.

“This has nothing to do with winter storms,” ​​Meszaros said.

“We went through that event and really feel very celebrated that everything went well and today we have the event.”

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Where can Austin residents safely get water until the boil notice ends?

Starting Sunday, February 6, four water dispensers are available in Austin.

Two locations operated by Austin Water will remain open for 24 hours, with residents having to bring their own water containers.

These locations include:

• Travis County Expo Center at 7311 Decker Lane
• Austin Water Glen Bell Service Center at 3907 South Industrial Drive
• Austin Water North Service Center at 901 W Koenig Lane
• Kelly Reeves Sports Stadium at 10211 West Parmer Lane

Those traveling to Travis and Kelly Reeves County locations are not required to bring their own water container.

The Exhibition Center will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, with the stadium open from noon to 5 p.m.