Houston boil water notice forces schools to shut down

In which cities do residents need to boil their water?

The cities of Houston and Bellaire have issued a notice for residents there to boil water before consuming it or to use bottled water instead. The notice was issued after a local power outage on Sunday morning caused water pressure at a water treatment plant to fall below the minimum levels deemed safe. You can type in your address here to see if you are under the boil water notice.

For what uses do I need to boil my water?

City officials said residents should boil water for at least two minutes before drinking it, preparing food, bathing and brushing their teeth. They should also avoid using water from refrigerators or ice makers. Those who cannot boil water are advised to use bottled water.
The Centers for Disease Control also suggests using boiled or bottled water for pets and breast milk or ready-to-use formula for infants. Using disposable dishes and bottled or boiled water to clean toys and washable surfaces is also recommended. Find more CDC tips here.

How long should I expect to have to boil my water?

Water pressure has been restored to above minimum levels, but officials said they are waiting for a review of water samples to show the tap water is safe for consumption before lifting the notice. Officials said they expect the notice to continue until Tuesday.

What happens if I accidentally drink the water?

Houston leaders have said they believe the water is safe, but they are following safety requirements for when water pressure drops below the minimum. The city of Bellaire said they issued the notice “out of an abundance of caution.”
Infants, people who are elderly, who use contact lenses, have a history of smoking, chronic lung disease, underlying illnesses and lower immunity are particularly at risk for becoming sick from waterborne germs. Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of sickness, but the germs could also lead to eye, lung, brain and skin illnesses, according to the CDC.

What are city and school facilities doing?

All Houston school district campuses, offices and facilities are closed Monday due to the notice. The nearby Aldine, Pasadena and Spring Branch school districts also canceled Monday classes, the Houston Chronicle reported.

What resources are available to affected residents?

Water is expected to be distributed at a vaccine clinic site at the Holman Street Baptist Church (3501 Holman St. Houston, TX 77004) on Monday from 2-6 pm, according to Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston.

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