BURTON EMERGENCY WATER RESTRICTIONS BEGIN FRIDAY EVENING

  

Emergency water restrictions are set to go into effect this (Friday) evening in Burton as state-mandated testing begins on the city’s new water well. 

A reminder notice from Burton Mayor Karen Buck this morning said following pre-testing that occurred Thursday evening, the city’s water storage tanks are being re-filled and will be topped off as necessary throughout the day.  At 4 p.m., the city moves into emergency water use only, and the existing well will be shut off.  Testing on the new well begins at 6 p.m., and the testing period will last for 36 hours, until Sunday.

Only the water stored in the city’s tanks will be available for use during testing, so customers are urged to limit their use to only what is needed for basic daily living. 

All automated irrigation systems and fountains should be turned off, and there should be no outdoor water usage.  Residents should take care of their laundry and dishwashing needs before noon today, so that they do not run their washing machines or dishwashers while testing is ongoing. 

Businesses are asked to pay attention to their water usage as well, and only serve tap water upon request. 

After the tests are complete, the current well will be turned back on, but it will take some time for the city’s water storage systems to return to normal levels.  The city will send “all clear” phone calls, texts and emails once it is safe to resume normal water usage. 

Buck said the goal is to minimize the city’s water usage so that the storage tanks and the pressure in the lines do not fall below the standards of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).  Otherwise, it could trigger a boil water notice.