In the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, Texans continue to struggle to find clean water for their homes. Extreme weather incidents such as this have had prolonged impacts on homes across the nation, revealing structural weaknesses. During the initial crisis, the blackouts led people to increase their water usage until the demand overwhelmed local treatment plants. This led to a pressure drop, and Texans could no longer be certain that their water was safe to drink. However, even once pressure was restored and some returned to normal, other homes suffered long-term damages. Many pipes froze and burst during the storm, leaving countless citizens without access to water even after the storm. Lower income areas suffered greater losses, and have become disgruntled with the lackluster response.
Other extreme weather crises have caused more homes to live without clean water for extended periods. For example, the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa in 2017 caused water contamination in tap water. Responses to contamination resulting from wildfires have varied wildly, forcing some people to live without running water for months. One Boulder-Creek resident, Sophia Lwin-McGee had to carry a 5 gallon jug from her home to a local spigot to retrieve any water for her family. Trust in the response has dwindled as well, with Mrs. Lwin-McGee telling Vox that she did not plan to drink the tap for at least a year, in spite of announcements that claimed the water was safe. “I just can’t put myself and my son and my husband in that risk” she says, resolving to purchase bottled water instead.
Disasters like these have demonstrated the necessity for more robust infrastructure and investment in maintenance programs. Emily Grubert states that the suffering of the 390,000 Texans who must boil their water in the aftermath of the storm is a direct result of underinvestment in infrastructure. She emphasizes preparation, and the importance of preparing for future disasters. Stronger response policies can prevent long term impacts like in Texas.
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