TIMELINE ‘UP IN THE AIR’ FOR CITY OF BRENHAM WATER RESTORATION; POWER BACK ON FOR MUCH OF CITY
Officials with the City of Brenham are uncertain of when water will be restored for residents as freezing conditions continue to impact the region, but they say the city’s electricity issues look to be improving.
As of this (Thursday) morning, city crews have turned off about 200 water leaks around the city, and have repaired or isolated a majority of the reported water main breaks.
Assistant City Manager of Public Services and Utilities Donald Reese said it is “up in the air” for when water is back to normal, as it depends on how many leaks are discovered and how quickly the city can repair them. He said the biggest challenge currently is that there are so many leaks in the water system that more demand for water is being put on the system than what it can treat.
Reese said he does not have an exact total of how many leaks there are around the city, but noted that there were about 12 calls per hour on Wednesday reporting leaks, many of them residential or otherwise private.
Reese said it will be an “all hands on deck” approach as the city works to restore water, and asked residents to continue conserving water where possible and to not drip their faucets. He also reminded them to boil their water before consumption, as the city remains under a boil water notice.
While the city’s water situation currently looks murky, electricity issues appear to be lightening up, at least for now. Reese said the city has been informed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) that its obligations to reduce electric load have been trimmed down, and that the entire city had power as of midnight. He said the rolling outages appear to have stopped for the time being, but whether or not they continue is up to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
Some residents have asked why certain neighborhoods have had their power stay on while others have remained without power for long periods of time. Reese said there are two main reasons for this happening, one being if they are on the same critical electric feed as an emergency facility, like a hospital. The other reason is that they may be located on a feed that does not generate much of an electric load, and as such would not help meet much demand by shedding the load.
ERCOT said in a statement Wednesday that it has restored approximately 8,000 megawatts, about 1.6 million households, since Wednesday morning. It also said there was sufficient generation available Wednesday afternoon to begin restoring 1,000 megawatts every hour.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions concerning the boil water advisory addressed by the City of Brenham:
Q: Where can I get bottled water?
Some grocery stores and supermarkets are open and may have a limited supply of bottled water/jugs. Please call ahead of time to ensure supply.
Q: How long will the water boiling notice be in effect?
We do not currently have an estimate due to the number of repairs that still need to be made. Once crews can complete the leak repairs (as the weather warms up more leaks are discovered as pipes thaw) and the system can be fully re-pressurized, tests must be performed to ensure the water quality throughout the city. Once those tests come back from the lab confirming safe drinking water, we will be able to lift the water boil notice. City crews are working 24/7 to resolve these issues as soon as possible. A notice will be sent out as soon as it is no longer necessary to boil water.
Q: How will I know once the "boiling water notice" is lifted?
We will make an announcement via press release to the local media, on social media, and the City's website once the notice has been lifted.
Q: I have a water purification system attached to my faucet/Brita mug, etc. Do I still need to boil water?
Yes, you will still need to boil all water you plan to consume or use. Water purification systems do not provide enough protection against any pathogens in the water that could be harmful.
Q: I boiled water this morning. Is it ok to use it now?
Yes, once the water has been boiled properly it does not need to be re-boiled. Boiling a large pot of water in the morning will allow you a safe source of water throughout the day.
Q: Will low water pressure affect my water lines/pipes?
Low water pressure should not affect water lines or pipes.
Q: What if I ingest any water that has not been boiled?
The likelihood of becoming ill is low, but watch for signs of gastrointestinal issues and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Moving forward please only drink boiled or bottled water until "boil notice" has been lifted.
Q: Is "Boil Notice" just specific to my street?
No, the boil water advisory is in effect for everyone using City of Brenham water.
Q: May I use ice from my icemaker?
At this time, do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice or water from a refrigerator.
Q: How is the City of Brenham notifying the public of the further issues or restorations?
Press Releases to news stations, posting updates on social media platforms, and on the City's website at www.cityofbrenham.org
Q: What if I am currently staying in a hotel?
Hotel guests can use showers but are not advised to drink the tap water from rooms if boiling is not an option.
Q: Can I still take a shower?
Yes, you are still able to shower, just please try not to get water in your face or mouth while bathing.
Anyone with additional questions or concerns can contact the City's call center at 979-337-7400.