Many Crowley residents woke up yesterday to dry or sputtering taps after a water main break along East Main Street cut pressure across the city and set off a precautionary boil-water notice.
The break pulled down pressure throughout the distribution system while crews scrambled to repair the damaged line and refill storage tanks. Repairs were wrapped up just after 11 a.m., according to FOX 4, but the aftereffects are lingering a bit longer in local kitchens and bathrooms.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ordered the citywide precautionary boil notice while the tanks repressurize. The advisory covers anyone who gets a water bill from the city, which is just under 8,000 customers, as reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Homeowner Shelia Mitchell told FOX 4 that her morning started with a rude surprise. "This morning I woke up this morning and went to go turn on the water, and there was no water," she said. After calling the city and stepping out for a bit, she came back to find her water restored once crews had finished repairs.
How to treat your water
Until testing confirms the system is safe, public health officials say residents should stick to boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, making ice, and brushing teeth.
The Centers for Disease Control recommend bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute, according to the CDC. The city’s advisory and local coverage suggest boiling for two minutes as an extra layer of caution, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Once the notice is lifted, officials say residents should flush household faucets and toss any ice made during the affected period.
Who’s affected and next steps
The boil notice will stay in place until water tanks are fully refilled and lab results show the supply is safe to drink. City customers will get an official notification once the all-clear is given.
In the meantime, officials are asking residents to go easy on nonessential water use so the system can recover more quickly. Drivers are also being urged to use caution around the repair area on East Main Street near the Walmart while the cleanup wraps up.
