BOIL WATER NOTICE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY – 07/25/24

CITY OF HEATH WATER CUSTOMERS

CITY OF HEATH WATER CUSTOMERS ARE NO LONGER UNDER A BOIL NOTICE

07/27/24 – 11:05pm

THE BOIL NOTICE HAS BEEN LIFTED

Water samples were tested by the state; the City’s water supply is safe for consumption. The boil notice has been rescinded.

The following is recommended after a Boil Water Notice has been lifted:

Flush Your System:

Run cold water faucets for at least 5 minutes.
Flush water coolers with at least one quart of water.
Replace water filters, as they may be contaminated.
Check and Clean Appliances:
Discard any ice made during the Boil Water Notice.
Clean and sanitize ice makers and water dispensers.
Purge Household Pipes:
Run each faucet for a few minutes.
Turn on hot water heaters and let the water run until hot.

Disinfect Equipment:

Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfecting any water-related equipment.

07/26/24 – 02:58pm

CITY OF HEATH MAYOR JEREMIAH McCLURE UPDATE

City of Heath Mayor Jeremiah McClure provides an update on the Boil Water Notice and how the City worked to resolve the problem and will put processes in place for the future.

07/26/24 – 10:45pm

Water Samples Sent to State For Testing.

Water pressure has been restored to the City system. Water tanks are filling properly. Water samples have been sent to the state, and the City is waiting on the testing lab to confirm that the water is safe to consume. This will be announced to the community via the City’s website, social media and InCode notification system. Until that time, the boil water notice remains in effect.

07/25/24 – 6:03pm

Water pressure has been restored and the City’s tanks are full and operating.

Per TCEQ protocol, water samples will be tested by the state to ensure the water supply is safe for consumption. Once water safety is confirmed, the boil notice will be lifted. Staff is working for a swift response, but the City may be in a boil notice through the weekend

07/25/24 – 02:32pm

HEATH DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE

07/25/24 – 02:18pm

Guidance for Residents Under a Boil Water Notice

What is a Boil Water Notice?

A Boil Water Notice is issued to protect public health when there is a potential for contamination in the water supply. During this notice, you should boil your water to ensure it is safe for consumption.

Key Instructions for Residents

Boiling Water:

Drinking and Cooking:
Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Let it cool before using.
Infants:
Use boiled water to prepare baby formula and for drinking.
Pets:
Give pets boiled or bottled water.
Water for Brushing Teeth and Washing Dishes:
Brushing Teeth: Use boiled or bottled water for brushing teeth.
Washing Dishes: Wash dishes with boiled water or use a dishwasher on the hot water setting. Ensure dishes are completely dry before use.
Water for Bathing and Washing:
Showering and Bathing: It’s generally safe to shower or bathe, but avoid swallowing water. Use caution when bathing infants and young children, and consider using sponge baths with boiled water that has cooled.
Handwashing: Use boiled or bottled water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Food Preparation:

Rinsing Food:
Use boiled or bottled water to rinse fruits, vegetables, and other food items.
Ice:
Do not use ice from ice trays, dispensers, or ice makers. Make ice with boiled or bottled water.
Cleaning and Household Use:
Cleaning Surfaces: Use boiled or bottled water for cleaning surfaces, especially those that come into contact with food.
Laundry: You can use tap water for washing clothes.

Alternative Water Sources:

Use bottled water for drinking and cooking if you cannot boil water.
Check with local authorities for available water distribution points.

What Not to Do:

Do Not Drink Tap Water: Do not use untreated tap water for drinking, cooking, or making ice.
Do Not Use Ice from Automatic Ice Makers: Discard existing ice and make new ice with boiled or bottled water.
Do Not Use Untreated Water for Washing Dishes or Brushing Teeth: Always use boiled or bottled water for these purposes.

How to Boil Water Safely:

Fill a pot with water.
Heat the water until bubbles rise continuously from the bottom to the top of the pot.
Let the water boil for at least one minute.
Turn off the heat and let the water cool.
Pour the water into a clean container with a cover for storage.

After the Boil Water Notice is Lifted

Flush Your System:

Run cold water faucets for at least 5 minutes.
Flush water coolers with at least one quart of water.
Replace water filters, as they may be contaminated.
Check and Clean Appliances:
Discard any ice made during the BWN.
Clean and sanitize ice makers and water dispensers.
Purge Household Pipes:
Run each faucet for a few minutes.
Turn on hot water heaters and let the water run until hot.

Disinfect Equipment:

Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfecting any water-related equipment.

Communication and Updates:

Contact your local water utility or public health department for specific instructions and updates.
For more detailed information, visit heathtx.com, follow the City social media, or call (972) 961-4868.

07/25/24 – 11:59am

BOIL NOTICE UPDATE FROM CITY MANAGER

07/25/24 – 10:13am

BOIL WATER NOTICE Q&A

Question: Why did this happen?
The software that controls our pumps malfunctioned late Wednesday night and caused the water pumps that bring water into the city to stay turned off throughout the night. This allowed the tanks to empty throughout the night. When the water level in the tanks is too low, it becomes unsafe to drink and the city must issue a boil water notice as required by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Question: When will I be able to drink the water?
You can drink the water as long as you boil it prior to consumption. Do not drink or cook with water straight from the tap until the boil notice is lifted. The City is following all of the safety protocols to make sure our water samples are tested at the lab before we lift the boil water notice. The notice could last through the weekend. We will notify using all available communication channels as soon as we can lift the boil order.

Question: How long do I need to boil the water?
Boil the water for at least one minute and let it cool before using. To safely boil the water safely: Fill a pot with water. Heat the water until bubbles rise continuously from the bottom to the top of the pot. Let the water boil for at least one minute. Turn off the heat and let the water cool. Pour the water into a clean container with a cover for storage.

Question: What if I already consumed the water?
Pay attention to any concerning symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.

Question: What if my pets already consumed the water?
Treat your pet’s water consumption the same way you would the humans in your home.

Question: Can I shower or bathe in the unboiled water?
It’s generally safe to shower or bathe, but avoid swallowing water. Use caution when bathing infants and young children and consider using sponge baths with boiled water after it cools.

Question: Is it lethal to drink unboiled water?
The City of Heath instructs everyone in the city to boil water for at least one minute and let it cool before consuming.

Question: Why are there fire hydrants spraying water at this time?
Our public works department must open the fire hydrants to flush out the system and get rid of potential contaminants. The water spraying from the hydrants is not safe for consumption.

Question: What about after the notice is lifted?
The City will push out detailed information when the boil order is lifted to explain how to flush your system at home and work. You will need to replace water filters.

07/25/24 – 9:28am

FOR YOUR SAFETY AND HEALTH, DO NOT:

Consume tap water from your City of Heath service address
Cook with tap water from your City of Heath service address
Bath or shower with tap water from your City of Heath service address

PLEASE USE BOTTLED WATER FOR THESE PURPOSES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Please monitor the City of Heath for additional information, including notice when the Boil Notice has been rescinded at:

CAUSE:

A boil water notice is issued by water utilities as a precaution to protect consumers from drinking water that may have been contaminated with disease causing organisms when tank levels get too low.

This boil notice was not caused by high usage, but a computer malfunction. The City’s SCADA system lost communication with the tower pumps, and they stopped refilling overnight. Staff are now in the field manually refilling the towers, and assessing the cause for the computer glitch

HOW LONG WILL THIS LAST:

Water must be tested by the TCEQ to ensure it is safe to drink before the notice is rescinded. This typically takes approx.. 3- to 4- days.

07/25/24 – 8:38am