Austin Water Safe To Drink Now, But Usage Restrictions Remain

Utility officials gave the all-clear on consumption on Sunday afternoon, but bans on some water usage remain in place until further notice.

Tony Cantu, Patch Staff

Posted Mon, Oct 29, 2018 at 10:30 am CT|Updated Mon, Oct 29, 2018 at 3:39 pm CT

AUSTIN, TEXAS — After a week of not being able to use their tap water without first boiling it, residents on Sunday were alerted their tap source was safe for drinking and food preparation. But just because the flood-tainted water is bacteria-free doesn't mean restrictions don't still apply.

The historic flooding two weeks ago bombarded water treatment plants with volumes of debris, mud and silt at such high levels that timely filtering was rendered and impossibility. As a result, city water officials implemented a mandated boil-water notice — the first in city history — to prevent residents' potential ingestion of harmful bacteria.

"This has been an unprecedented event in Austin Water’s more than 100 years of delivering water to Austin residents," officials said on a municipal portal. "Historic flooding created water that showed over 100 times the level of silt and solids typically than found in our source water. This dramatically changed the way our treatment plants needed to operate to produce high quality water, and decreased the amount of water the plants were able to filter. This required us to slow our water treatment process."

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After testing for bacteria over the weekend, officials deemed the water safe to consume on Sunday afternoon. Still, several restrictions on usage remain as a result of past flooding that has overtaxed water plants. Water officials said utility customers don't have to flush their pipes, but conservation-related restrictions remain in place:

No outdoor irrigation is allowed for the time being.
Adding water to pools or spas is not allowed.
Those owning ornamental fountains are barred from using them for now.
No pressure washing at home, either on vehicles or surface washing.

But as of Monday, Oct. 29, some restrictions were lifted as of 10 a.m.:

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Wash vehicles at a commercial car wash compliant with City Code 6-4-10 (B);
Operate irrigation systems for the purpose of testing or repair by a licensed irrigation professional; and
Conduct pressure washing using commercial equipment in compliance with City Code 6-4-11 (B).

Moreover, you might be able to swim on Monday at area waterways that include Lake Austin and Lake Travis were recreational bans were in place, as the city is scheduled to reevaluate those bans. But don't put on the swimming trunks or bikinis on just yet. As soon as Patch learns when swimming and boating bans are lifted, we'll let you know.

Additionally, a handful of city facilities and parks remain closed, including Bartholomew Pool; Springwoods Pool; Red Bud Isle and Red Bud Trail and the Butler/Liz Carpenter fountains.

Medical, dental and food service establishments should contact Austin Public Health at 512-972-5000 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/department/health for specific guidance. For the most updated information on mandatory water restrictions, click here. There, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions such as:

How do I know the water is safe?

Austin Water has worked closely with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and has followed federal and state laws for rescinding a Boil Water Notice. Microbiological testing has been negative and water disinfection levels are within state-required standards. This also includes meeting adequate water pressure requirements in the distribution system.

Do I need to flush the pipes in my home?

No, it is not necessary or required to flush the pipes in your home. Water has continued to circulate in the distribution system during the Boil Water Notice. Water used for 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.

If you choose to flush water from your pipes, please limit the amount of water you use. We recommend following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines that suggest flushing for two minutes.
What steps do I need to take for my refrigerator water dispenser and ice maker?

We recommend drawing and discarding at least one quart of water from your refrigerator water dispenser before drinking. Automatic ice makers should be emptied of any ice created during the boil water order; allow the machine to make new ice and discard any ice produced during the next 24 hours.
What are the procedures for medical, dental, and food service establishments?

Why are you still asking customers to limit water use?

Operations are not quite back to normal. While water production has recovered significantly, water treatment plants are not producing as much water as they can under typical conditions. While we are working to restore the full capacity, keeping water use down will help ensure the system can meet customer demands.
Is the Boil Water Notice lifted for communities that receive water from Austin Water, known as wholesale customers?

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has allowed the following Austin Water wholesale customers to lift their boil water notices: City of Rollingwood, City of Sunset Valley, Creedmoor Maha WSC, High Valley WSC, Marsha WSC, Mid-Tex Utility, Morningside Subdivision, Nighthawk WSC, Northtown MUD, North Austin MUD, Rivercrest Water System, Travis County WCID #10, Wells Branch MUD, Windermere Utility.

Are mandatory emergency water-use restrictions still in place?

Yes, but those restrictions will change to lessen the impact on affected businesses and their employees. Current restrictions remaining in place include: