Residents of Kaufman County served by the Markout Water Supply are being instructed to boil all water before consuming it, following a mainline break caused by a utility contractor. The incident, which occurred Tuesday and was reported by the City of Mesquite, Texas, left the water supply system plummeting below 20 psi. The City has issued the advisory as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential health hazards from bacterial contamination.
Efforts are underway to restore water service and pressure in the affected areas. Despite the disruption, the City's Markout pump station kept running, looking to expedite the return to normalcy. Mesquite officials promise diligent work to remediate the situation, but until then, residents are urged to boil their water or use bottled alternatives. "Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria," the City of Mesquite, Texas reminded in a statement.
Guidelines issued emphasize the importance of using either bottled or boiled water not just for drinking but also for food preparation, dishwashing and even brushing teeth. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, overseeing public water systems, is behind the notification push, ensuring residents are well-informed on how to safeguard their health during the notice.
Aside from drinking, boil water recommendations extend to other areas of daily life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that even filtered tap water should be boiled and that residents refrain from ingesting water from home appliances such as refrigerators. Bathing, laundry, and even pet care are also covered, with all actions guided by the assurance that boiling is critical until the notice is officially rescinded.
No timeframe has been given for when the notice will be lifted, but the city will alert customers as soon as it's safe to cease boiling water. In the meantime, the community is encouraged to pass on the information, ensuring it reaches all corners, including "people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses." The City of Mesquite's myMesquite Call Center is available at 972-288-7711 for those seeking more details on this ongoing water woe.
