Drinking water for more than a million Austin Water customers remained under a boil notice on Tuesday as the city of Austin placed outdoor water use under heavy restrictions.
After historic flooding in the Hill Country watersheds and Central Texas last week, water-supply lakes became muddied with silt and debris that strained Austin’s water treatment system, city officials have said.
The muddy water required more time to filter and, ultimately, made it tougher for the utility to keep up with demand for treated water.
According to Austin Water, the city’s water utility, water from its taps needs to be boiled for three minutes before it can be used for drinking, cooking or making ice.
The water can still be used for bathing and doing laundry.
Austin officials also called upon residents to tamp down water use as treatment plants struggle to maintain supplies for basic needs and firefighting, they said.
Austinites should cut personal water use by 15 to 20 percent and avoid using water outside homes so the city does not run out of water, officials said.
Until further notice, Austin Water says customers may not: Use water for irrigation Wash vehicles Add water to a pool Operate an outdoor ornamental fountain or pond Officials are unsure when the boil-water notice and outdoor restrictions will be lifted.