PEARLAND, Texas (KTRK) — Boiling any water you want to drink meant bottled water was in demand in parts of Pearland today.
"We just put off taking showers and stuff until tomorrow," resident Julie Dahl said.
Nearby schools also had to make do without using their water fountains.
Staff boiled huge pots of water in the cafeterias at the six schools affected.
Resident Tammy Carter described her day dealing with no drinking water at her home.
Many businesses like Burger King along Broadway posted signs warning people soft drinks would not be sold because of the boil water notice ordered last night.
We discovered the cause behind the boil notice.
That strain lowered the pressure level in the water-a potentially dangerous situation-and that the water could be exposed to bacteria.
Sparkle Anderson, spokesperson for the City of Pearland answered our questions.
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Michelle Southern reporting.
Water pressure has become a concern across Louisiana in the wake of the recent arctic blast, which has prompted some parishes to issue boil water advisories.
So why does this happen?
Louisiana Department of Health Chief Engineer Amanda Laughlin says when a hard freeze event takes place, pipes burst and there are an extremely high number of line breaks.
"So they issue a boil advisory as a precaution in case there is a contamination event."
Laughlin says there are nearly 50 boil advisories posted in the state right now, and that number is expected to go up.
"When your system is under the proper amount of pressure it keeps things out," said Laughlin.
"But when you lose pressure it allows things in."
Laughlin says the advisories are only a precaution in case something has entered the system that could potentially make you sick.
"But you can use your dishwasher that reaches high temperatures."

PEARLAND— A major equipment failure involving the Kirby Water Production facility prompted the City of Pearland to issue a boil water notice Wednesday.
“Any time you have an issue where the water pressure drops below the mandated level there is potential for contamination and because water safety is paramount to us and we want to insure the safety of our residents, we issued the water notice,” Sparkle Anderson with the City of Pearland said.
Not all the City of Pearland is effected, just the section west of 288.
Still the HEB in Pearland was prepared with additional overnight deliveries, as residents stock up on bottled water.
The City of Pearland says the likelihood of contamination is low and the mechanical failure has been fixed, but they won’t know until tomorrow when testing is completed.
“A boil water notice is related to consumption.
So you can shower and bath with the water you can not drink the water at this point.
Officials say if you’ve already consumed some of the water from the affected area and experience any kind of difficulties, contact your medical service provider.
Until at least Friday, stick to the bottle for drinking water until then.
Even when the likelihood of contamination is low, It’s always better to be safe, than sorry.

MARIETTA, Ohio (WTAP) – A boil-water advisory is in effect for approximately 60 to 70 Marietta water customers because of emergency repairs to a water line.
The advisory is for customers in the 100 block of East Spring Street, 200 block of West Spring Street and Emerald Street.
Customers in adjacent areas could also be affected, so officials say if you experience a loss of service you are included in the advisory.
Officials say if you experience a loss of service or reduced water pressure, you should “rapid boil” any drinking water for two minutes once service is restored.
Call 740-374-6864 for more information.

METAIRIE, La.
— The boil water advisory and low water pressure also affected businesses in our area.
Places like Lakeside Mall, restaurants, and even our building (WGNO) at the Galleria were closed.
Ochsner’s heating system was down due to the low water pressure.
Some surgeries had to be rescheduled for a later day.
It was a shock to costumers who pulled up to a place of business and found out they were closed.
Folks out at the airport in Kenner had to use porta-potties and were provided hand sanitizer until everything is back up and running again.
Authorities urge residents to conserve water by using hand sanitizer and to boil your water.

Port Arthur ISD cancels class Friday due to weather-related water issues
UPDATE: The Port Arthur Independent School District is canceling classes Friday because of the city’s water issues.
District spokesperson Kristyn Cathey released the following statement Thursday evening: After assessing the water levels at each school, we have determined that we do not have enough assurance that the schools would be able to function.
Therefore, we will close school tomorrow and work with the City to get the District back on track.
The Maintenance Department will work in an effort to ensure the District is clean and safe for the students and staff to return.
PREVIOUS: The Port Arthur school district did not cancel classes but allowed parents to pick up students early as the city in under a boil water notice.
"We have had had five days home, so it is time to get back to school," Dr. Porterie said.
Dr. Porterie and his staff made sure schools were well–stocked to deal with low water pressure, supplying 10 cases of bottled water and hand sanitizer to the district’s 13 campuses.
"If I have to say, I have no problem with that," said Jacob Anderson, a sophomore student.
The Port Neches-Groves ISD superintendent also allowed parents to pick up students early.

Water systems in Acadiana have asked customers to either conserve water and/or issued boil water advisories because of freezing conditions.
Low water pressure from residents letting their water faucets run to prevent pipes from freezing prompted the advisory.
Evangeline Parish Bayou De Cannes Water System in Basile has issued a boil water advisory until further notice.
Iberia Parish There has been an increase in usage of water by customers of the Bayou Teche Water Works due to the recent cold weather.
There is no Boil Water advisory for the system yet but that could change if usage is not reduced.
Waterworks District #3 of Iberia Parish officials will be shutting down pumps at 4 pm due to excessive water loss in the system.
Waterworks District #3 will be under a boil advisory until further notice.
With temperatures rising above freezing levels, Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux and Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) urge citizens to check for water leaks and turn off running faucets to help alleviate the effects.
St. Martin Parish There has been an increase in usage of water by customers of the Bayou Teche Water Works due to the recent cold weather.
There is no Boil Water advisory for the system yet but that could change if usage is not reduced.

"The Sewerage & Water Board is urging residents to reduce water use wherever possible."
New Orleans – The Sewerage & Water Board (S&WB) has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for the entire East Bank of New Orleans due to a further drop in water pressure Thursday morning, Jan. 18.
The Sewerage & Water Board is urging residents to reduce water use wherever possible.
Residents who have compromised immune systems are advised not to wash hands, shower or bathe.
For those who want to be absolutely safe, use safe water until further notice per the Louisiana Office of Public Health – Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section.
The Sewerage & Water Board has been in contact with the Louisiana Department of Health to begin the process of testing for possible contamination.
S&WB will notify residents and businesses when the advisory is lifted.
Boil water advisories are issued out of an abundance of caution whenever the water pressure drops below 15 psi.
The concern is that a pressure drop inside of a water pipe could allow contaminants into the pipe.
What to do During a Boil Water Advisory http://www.nola.gov/getattachment/Mayor/Press-Releases/2015/20150724-Boi…

GREENVILLE, Pa. – Residents of Greenville no longer have to boil the water used for drinking or cooking.
Borough officials on Thursday lifted the precautionary boil alert issued last week following flooding and a water main break.
A media release from the Greenville Municipal Water Authority states that daily water samples collected in the distribution system from Sunday January 14th through Wednesday, January 17th showed no evidence of bacterial contamination.
The boil alert was extended until today after the Department of Environmental Protection asked for further testing.

The boil advisory impacted approximately 100 customers for homes located at 301 to 722 Mohican Trail.
Brushing teeth.
Washing fruits and vegetables.
Preparing food and baby formula.
Making ice.
Giving to pets.
Customers did not need to boil water prior to using it for showering or bathing.
Service has returned to normal.
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