A boil-water advisory has been issued for Horizon City, according to the Horizon Regional Municipal Utility District.

The order is a public health advisory given to consumers when a community’s drinking water is, or could be, contaminated.

“We’re not aware of any contamination, but we’re trying to be safe, precautionary,” said Benny Davis, president of the board at the HRMUD.

At about 10 p.m. Friday, strong winds knocked down power lines and transformers that power the water purification system and sewage pumping system, Davis said. The loss of power at the water treatment plant caused depressurization at the potable water system.

“We decided we needed to put out a notice because we thought it might be necessary to satisfy the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality,” Davis said.

In a written notification to consumers, the HRMUD says to ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. Customers also can purchase bottled water or use water from another reliable source. Temporary discoloration of the water might occur as the system is pressurized. It urges residents to refrain from washing laundry as it might permanently stain clothing.

The boil-order advisory will be lifted in 24 hours — by 10 a.m. Sunday, Davis said.

“They’ll take tests and make sure there’s no problem,” Davis said. “We don’t think there’s any problems to start with. It’s to be on the safe side; that’s what we do.”

The water pumps were off for about 12 hours. Crews with the El Paso Electric Co. and the HRMUD restored services at about 10 a.m. Saturday, Davis said.

“Although we didn’t run out of water, we were down to almost nothing,” Davis said.

The HRMUD services about 10,000 residents in Horizon City.

For more information, customers may contact Severn Trent of HRMUD at 281-398-8211 or 281-578-4244