Boil water notice, emergency use restrictions continue

While the water quality is getting better, the citywide boil water notice is still in effect, and is now mandatory: Water should be kept at a rolling boil for three minutes.

In addition, Austin Water has issued a reminder that the city is operating under emergency water conservation rules until further notice. Tips on how to conserve include:

• Avoid all outdoor water use and minimize indoor use immediately.

• Don’t use water for irrigation or testing of irrigation equipment.

• Don’t wash vehicles, including at commercial car wash facilities.

• Don’t wash pavement or other surfaces.

• Don’t add water to a pool or spa.

• Don’t conduct foundation watering.

• Don’t operate an ornamental fountain or pond, other than aeration necessary to support aquatic life.

Schools are providing water for student use. In addition, the city and county are providing free water for those with special needs, who need bottled water for work, or who are unable to boil water themselves. The water is available at five distribution sites, which are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

Walnut Creek Park (12138 N. Lamar Blvd.)
City of Austin Warehouse, formerly Home Depot (7211 N. Interstate 35)
Roy G. Guerrero Park (400 Grove Blvd.)
Onion Creek Soccer Complex (5600 E. William Cannon Dr.)
Dick Nichols Park (8011 Beckett Rd.)

Pickup is available in the driveway area of the locations. Supplies are limited to a gallon of water per person.

“We understand that this has had a significant impact on the community,” said City Manager Spencer Cronk in a press release. “As a result, we want to ensure that the basic needs of residents are being met. The most important thing for the community to do is to conserve water and to boil water for drinking and cooking.”