Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink (unless it’s been boiled)

In case you somehow haven’t heard, Austin is under a boil water advisory until further notice. All water used for cooking, ice or drinking should be boiled for at least three minutes. As can be expected, this has been affecting local restaurants and grocery stores as well: The Austin Chronicle has a handy list of establishments that are closed or serving restricted menus, which will be updated as this saga continues. The city has also issued emergency water use restrictions, meaning that outdoor use of water is prohibited, including:

• Using water for irrigation or testing of irrigation equipment
• Washing vehicles, including at commercial car wash facilities
• Washing pavement or other surfaces
• Adding water to a pool or hot tub
• Conducting foundation watering
• Operating an ornamental fountain or pond, other than aeration necessary to support aquatic life