A day after asking Austinites to reduce water usage, the city has issued a boil water advisory for all customers of Austin Water until further notice.
At a televised press conference at 6 a.m. Monday, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk said Mother Nature has thrown more at the system than the system could take, causing the first-ever boil water advisory for all users of the water system.
Austin Water Director Greg Meszaros said all three of Austin’s drinking water plants are unable to meet desired water clarity levels for customers.
While safe for showers, laundry and other household uses, any water used for consumption should be boiled for three minutes before being used.
The city said all restaurants, food establishments and schools have been notified and inspectors will be available to provide assistance where needed.
Meszaros said the water looks like chocolate milk due to mud kicked up with all of the storm water flowing through the water system, but he doesn’t think it is a bacterial issue at this point.
Residents are asked to continue to restrict water usage where possible, including a ban on watering lawns.