An unexpected winter storm in Texas has left millions of residents without power and water. Many cities across the state were recently notified that their water may now be unsafe to drink. Some activities are OK, but water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, or brushing teeth needs to be boiled for sanitization. Areas with unsafe drinking water have also been directed to conserve water as much as possible, due to the uncertainty of access to water. Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Huston, Texas, made an announcement asking Texans to stop dripping water to keep pipes from bursting in order to conserve the water for hospitals and the fire departments.
The executive director of TCEQ reported that the water problems may have be related to other problems caused by the storm, such as lack of power, low water pressure, and disrupted water lines. Many officials have reported that water boil notices may linger on due to a lack of available labs where the water can be tested for safety. This water issue has affected approximately 590 public water systems in Texas.
Because these low temperatures are expected to continue for the rest of the week, this creates additional risk for pipes bursting or being blocked. Between water blockages and grocery stores being closed, many residents are concerned about how they will get through the storm.
