Citywide boil water notice in effect until Saturday

The City of San Marcos is notifying all water customers of a citywide boil water notice in effect until Saturday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.  The boil notice is the result of construction damage to a major City water main this afternoon which resulted in a system pressure drop and the issuance of the notice.

“The boil notice is precautionary only, as we have no evidence of water contamination, but it is a necessary step anytime that there’s a lack of pressure in the main lines for an extended period,” said Public Services Director Tom Taggart.  “After the main is repaired and water samples are processed, we would expect to receive satisfactory water quality results by 5 p.m. on Saturday which will allow us to rescind the precautionary boil water notice at that time.” 

For additional questions, water customers may contact the Water & Wastewater Utility Office at 512-393-8010 during normal business hours. 

Emergency Boil Water Notice reads as follows:
Due to construction damage to a major city water main, system pressures have dropped in some areas, below the level requiring a boil water notice for all City of San Marcos water customers.  Crews are working to isolate and repair the damage and restore system pressures to normal levels. At this time, there is no evidence of contamination.

As a precaution, once water service is restored, you may want to boil your water prior to consumption.  This is a precautionary measure and does not necessarily mean that your water is contaminated, only that there is a possibility of contamination due to lack of pressure in the main lines for an extended period.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and ice making can be boiled and cooled prior to consumption.  The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.  In lieu of boiling, you may wish to purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

Samples will be taken after the repair is completed and the boil notice will remain in effect for a minimum of 24 hours until satisfactory sampling results are received.

Satisfactory water quality test results should be received by Saturday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. which will allow us to rescind the precautionary boil water notice at that time.  

If you have questions regarding this matter, you may contact the Water & Wastewater Utilities office at 512-393-8010 during normal business hours.