Matt Woolbright, and Kirsten Crow

Corpus Christi

UPDATE: Mayor officially clears Calallen, Flour Bluff and Padre Island from the water ban.

Industrial tanks may have released two chemicals into the Corpus Christi public water system, according to a news release from the Corpus Christi legislative delegation.

"This is based on initial reports and the quantity of these chemicals can not be determined at this time," the news release states.

The chemicals were identified as indoline and hydrochloric acid.

This new information contradicts the city's earlier announcement that only one chemical — Indulin AA-86 — was released into the water supply. The city's announcement comes about 12 hours into a city mandated ban on drinking or using tap water.

The Caller-Times has learned the Environmental Protection Agency is joining the investigation.

Indulin AA-86, which came from a facility in an industrial district, is an asphalt emulsifier. About three to 24 gallons got into the water supply.

"It is critical that our state agencies work together with local government, elected officials, and community leaders to communicate and coordinate efforts to resolve this issue quickly and protect our public’s health," the news release from State Sen. Juan "Chuy Hinojosa, D-Corpus Christi; State Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown; and State Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi; states.

City spokeswoman Kim Womack said the city's test results showed no signs of contamination outside the industrial district. The city is now awaiting the results of TCEQ's tests.

Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas issued a statement saying it was a backflow issue "from third party operations" near Valero's asphalt terminal and prompted by Valero's Corpus Christi refineries.

"At this time, we believe this is a localized backflow issue from third party operations in the area of Valero’s asphalt terminal. We do not believe this issue is being caused by Valero’s Corpus Christi refineries. While the City continues to investigate this issue, we do not believe the City’s water has been impacted," the statement reads. "We believe this issue is isolated to a lateral industrial line. Valero is offering its resources to assist the City in isolating the issue and to help confirm this has not impacted the City’s water supply."

Councilwoman Carolyn Vaughn told the Caller-Times the city believes contractor company Ergon is responsible for the contamination.

Earlier on Thursday, Mayor Dan McQueen and others said the first priority is ensuring the public's safety and getting the test results back from samples sent to a testing facility in Austin. The city is working closely with the TCEQ.

Hunter, one of the legislators, has been in regular contact with TCEQ officials since the issues began late Wednesday.

“Everyone has been extremely helpful. They are on top of it,” he said. “I’m encouraging them to be judicial and prudent in getting us as much information as possible. I’m encouraging them to let us know as soon as possible their results.”

Residents should avoid using tap water due to a possible contamination. The incident occurred late Wednesday and was caused by a recent backflow incident in the industrial district, according to a city news release.

Officials recommend not using tap water at all until results can confirm its safety out of an abundance of caution. Use only bottled water.

"Only bottled water should be used for all drinking, beverage and food preparation (including baby formula and juice), making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes or clothes, washing hands, and bathing until further notice," the release states.

Do not try to boil the water or treat it any other way.

"Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting the water stand will not make the water safe," the release states.

The news release went out about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday via email.

Within minutes stores including the HEB on Staples and SPID were flooded with residents and quickly sold out of bottled water. The inventory was gone within an hour of the city's announcement.

Residents who were already asleep awoke to the news Thursday that the city was in midst of its fourth notice within about a year and a half. Earlier water issues were related to concerns about bacteria. Those boil water notices provided residents a method for making their water safe.

The latest notice warned residents not to use their tap water at all. There's no reports of injury or illness from residents related to the water.

A crowd of residents waited in line at one grocery store hopeful to be first to get a new shipment of water that was being trucked to the location. The parking lot was filled with angry residents who learned the the store was already sold out of water. At a convenience store nearby, residents found signs on the entrance that read: "Sorry we are sold out of gallons of water" and "Sorry we are sold out of cases of water."

McQueen emphasized the city's system, in terms of disinfectant, did not fail. City officials say it was a valve in the industrial district. The contamination was discovered when an industrial property reported a sheen in the water when washing hands. That happened before 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The industrial district is north of Interstate 37 and generally between Southern Minerals Road and Nueces Bay Boulevard.

McQueen and others said the first priority is ensuring the public's safety and getting the test results back from samples sent to a testing facility in Austin. The city is working closely with the TCEQ.

TCEQ chairman Bryan Shaw told the Caller-Times that he is barred from commenting on the water situation while it remains under investigation.

"This may come up as an enforcement matter, so legally, I can't discuss it," Shaw said.

Agency spokesman Terry Clawson said TCEQ staffers were sent to Corpus Christi overnight to investigate. He declined to provide specific details but said the agency would release a statement later in the day.

Donnell Davis was at a Corpus Christi store hunting for water this morning.

“At four o’clock, 4:30 a.m. it was much easier to find water,” Davis said. “It was much easier, but now that people are waking up (it’s harder).”

He said he found out about the water problem from his daughter overnight.

Christus Spohn Health System, the city’s largest hospital system, said in a news release that it was “taking every precaution to ensure a healthy and safe stay for our patients and their families. We have the appropriate resources, along with well-established policies and protocols to ensure the safety of our patients.”

A Spohn official said it was continuing to perform scheduled procedures and surgeries. It was still receiving all trauma cases.

“We are working with our sister facilities to support us with any of our water supply needs,” the release states. “We will continue to follow all safety precautions until the City of Corpus Christi lifts its 'water ban' notice.”

The city has taken all appropriate measures in terms of response, communication and action for what has been a terrible incident, said Rudy Garza Jr.

The three water boils that came down between July 2015 and May 2016 were caused by different issues, and subsequent actions recommended to residents also differed.

“This is more serious, for an industrial actor to be able to introduce this kind of issue in our water supply is rather alarming for me,” Garza said.

It’s raised questions about whether the city is doing all it can to ensure “that an industrial actor doesn’t introduce something into the water,” he added. In part, that could mean taking a look at how backflow devices are installed and inspected and what measures are already in place.

As a body, the City Council will need to review not only the water boil events, but this event as well, Garza said.

“The issue is that we’ve said that before and I’m sure people’s patience has grown very thin,” he said.

There may also need to be consideration of devising a methodology for supplying water to residents if and when these incidents occur, Garza said, adding that it would ultimately be a decision for the council as a whole.

THE USA TODAY NETWORK's John C. Moritz in Austin contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Check back to Caller.com for updates.

9:02 p.m.: Corpus Christi may be in store for some relief from its ongoing water ban.

State. Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, said a partial lift of the ban on using tap water is likely to be announced later this evening.

"There will be some good news coming. Certain areas will be released tonight," Hunter said. "All the details will be release to the city of Corpus Christi and they will present it to the public."

Corpus Christi residents will have to go another night without a safe water supply for drinking, cooking or bathing.

8:11 p.m.: Incarnate Word Academy announced that school will be closed for the Elementary and Middle Levels on Friday. High School Level will open in the morning for two second-quarter exams.

High School Level students should report to school at 8:30 a.m. for their third period exam. Fourth period exams will be given at 10:30 a.m. Students will be dismissed at noon.

Food services will not be available so students taking exams are encouraged to bring bottled water and a snack. Hand sanitizer will be provided in classrooms and restrooms.

The school also announced that the Toy Toss has been canceled, but the varsity boys basketball game will be played in Aransas Pass.

7:07 p.m.: New Mayor Dan McQueen led a news conference in City Council chambers after council came out of executive session. He said there was no change in the city's water ban.

McQueen called the chemical released into the water system a "soap-like substance" and said he thought it had not extended beyond the industrial district, but the city was still waiting for results of testing from TCEQ.

He said there would be a meeting with city and state leaders and lawmakers and officials from the TCEQ and the EPA at 8 p.m. He said the city would hold a press conference at 9 p.m. to announce the results of that meeting.

He took questions from residents who attended the news conference. At times the crowd talked over one another and shouted each other down.

Residents' frustration with the latest water woes was clear.

6:55 p.m.: The Vinson Morris Children's Center at first United Methodist church will remain closed through Friday, unless the water is lifted.

6:28 p.m.: Nestlé Waters North America, which distributes Nestlé Pure Life brand bottled water and Ozarka Brand Natural Spring Water, is donating 26 trucks of bottled water to Corpus Christi to assist with relief efforts following the citywide water ban

A release from the company said 648,000 bottles of water will be delivered to the FEMA Dome at Del Mar College's West Campus late Thursday night. City personnel will assist in distributing the water to residents.

6:23 p.m.: Corpus Christi and Flour Bluff ISDs have canceled classes for Friday, according to district spokespersons.

6:04 p.m.: City Spokeswoman Kim Womack says Greenwood Senior Center is one location distributing free water. Oveal Senior Center will start distributing free water at 6:30 p.m.

Families can get at least one case. City authorities have said about 100,000 cases of water have been donated to distribute.

5:33 p.m.: City Council members gathered in chambers at City Hall for a special emergency meeting. Immediately after the roll call, the council went into executive session to discuss the water ban without making any other comments.

5:22 p.m.: The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team has delivered two tractor trailer loads of bottled water to Corpus Christi. The Salvation Army is working closely with the city of Corpus Christi and will be distributing water at the four city distribution centers. The first 16 pallets of water are being delivered to the Greenwood Senior Center. Six pallets of water have been delivered for use at The Salvation Army Family Services Center.

5:14 p.m.: NavyArmy Community Credit Union Board of Directors donated eight pallets of water to the Food Bank of Corpus Christi on Thursday.

Food Bank officials said the water would be distributed to those most in need, including the elderly.

NavyArmy officials said the coordinated the donation, which came from Laredo, to say "thank you" to its members in the community.

5:09 p.m.: Driscoll Children's Hospital expects to resume dialysis Friday, but elected surgeries remain canceled.

The hospital posted notices in restrooms and water fountains advising those in the hospital not to use the water. It also increased the use of hand sanitizers throughout the hospital and its clinics. Measures began at 11:22 p.m. Wednesday after the city mandated the water ban.

Elected surgeries and dialysis appointments were canceled throughout the day Thursday. The hospital expects a water tanker to arrive Friday, and personnel will connect its equipment to the tanker to resume dialysis. Surgeries are expected to remain closed until further notice.

4:57 p.m.: The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority announced that it will offer free rides to riders through the end of service on Friday in response to the city's water ban. Additionally, the authority said they would map water distribution points, once those are released by the city, to let riders know which routes serve those centers.

4:05 p.m.: At a 4 p.m. news conference, city spokeswoman Kim Womack said there was no change in the water ban. The city is waiting for more test results.

Womack also said several cities donated truckloads of bottled water and that residents will be allowed one case of water per car. Families may be allowed two cases of water if supplies allow.

She noted that H-E-B, Walmart and Stripes also were taking delivery of truckloads of water.

3:37 p.m.: Driscoll Children’s Hospital canceled elective surgeries Thursday because of latest water advisory.

“Driscoll Children’s Hospital is making arrangements to ensure adequate water deliveries are made to the hospital,” said Ben Castle, the hospital’s media relations specialist. “We are working with our clinical areas to make sure that all water needs are met.”

Castle did not say when elective surgeries would resume.

3:35 p.m.: Jessica Davila-Burnett, a Stripes representative, explained that stores were not price gouging, but that customers were mistakenly buying crates of water that were for individual sale only. Those bottles are sold for a higher rate than the pallets of water that were intended to be sold as a package.

3:25 p.m.: CCISD has announced the water ban has forced the cancellation of a swimming meet and a wrestling meet scheduled for this weekend. Additionally, the district is working to find new locations in district's not affected by the ban for basketball games scheduled for this weekend.

3:18 p.m.: The Corpus Christi Medical Center activated emergency procedures before midnight Wednesday in response to the latest water advisory, according to a news release.

All facilities in the center have discontinued the use of tap water and are providing bottled and sterile water for patients to use. Facilities have increased their use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and are using an alternative water source for food.

“If you have questions regarding possible exposure to contaminated water, please contact your primary care physician,” Chief Medical Officer Kimberly Megow said in a news release.

The Corpus Christi Medical Center facilities include Doctor’s Regional, Bay Area and Bayview Behavioral Hospital.

2:08 p.m.: Veterans Affairs officials announced in a news release they are taking precautions to keep their clinics in Corpus Christi open for at least the next two days.

The organization shipped hand sanitizer, wipes and more than 4,000 bottles of water from Harlingen to Corpus Christi, according to the release.

The dental clinics at the Corpus Christi Specialty Clinic, however, are closed until further notice, according to the release.

1:50 p.m.: The Driver's License Office and DPS office in Corpus Christi will be closed until further notice due to the water advisory.

1:30 p.m.: A local law firm has filed a lawsuit against Valero and its subsidiaries and Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc. on behalf of several local businesses and a resident.

Hilliard Munoz Gonzales LLP filed the suit on behalf of Coiffures of Country Club Inc., Anthony’s Aveda Concept Salon and Paula Porter.

The suit alleges Valero Marketing and Supply company, Valero South Texas Marketing Company, Valero Bill Greehey Plant, Valero Refining-Texas LP and Ergon “wantonly and recklessly exposed unsuspecting business owners, employees and residents to toxic chemicals, contaminated their water and forced the closure of their businesses.”

The suit seeks $1 million dollars in damages. The suit also requests a jury trial on the matter.

1:20 p.m.: The Texas Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management is working with other state agencies, volunteer groups and the private sector to respond to this water issue. The aid includes coordinating the shipments of drinking water to the city.

1 p.m.: City spokeswoman Kim Womack said 27,000 cases of bottled water are en route and will be distributed to the public for free. Meanwhile, Stripes, Walmart and HEB have confirmed they are bringing in water by the truck loads for purchase.

Womack thanked neighboring cities for their help and donations of bottled water. Any individuals or groups that want to donate can call the city at 361-826-3211.

As Womack finished her remarks protesters shouted “What we want? Clean water. When do we want it? Now!”

The first set of test results from TCEQ are expected later this afternoon.

12:30 p.m.: Mirador, an assisted living community on the city's Southside, released details about its response to the city-wide water ban.

Tim Stuteville, interim executive director, said that the staff was taking the situation seriously and provided bottled water to all the residents. He said more water was expected to be delivered today.

The staff also switched to using paper plates and disposable cooking utensils and offered food that did not require water to prepare.

Stuteville said the sinks in the healthcare services area were turned off to make sure residents do not use the water.

Stuteville credited the community's hurricane preparedness plan as the reason it was prepared.

12:11 p.m.: Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal said water has been secured for the jail and juvenile detention center.

After a hiccup with H-E-B this morning, the Everest Water company was able to provide water to the county, Neal said.

Officials are also watching water consumption at the county buildings, as well as the courthouse for staff and jurors.

“We’re taking it very seriously,” Neal said.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Brent Chesney said commissioners are waiting to hear from the city on its investigation of the polluted water.

“Not having adequate water supply affects everyone to a great degree,” Chesney said. “I ask that everyone try to remain calm while the city is doing its investigation, so people don’t get hurt or have problems getting water at stores.”

Chesney said he is concerned about people fighting over water at stores and urges everyone to remain courteous.

“I’m as frustrated as anybody about the water situation. The only national attention we get is when the water has a problem, and that’s not good national attention to get,” he said.

11:15 a.m.: Christus Spohn Health System is supplying patients with bottled drinking water as needed during the water advisory, Communications Manager Steven Alford said.

Additionally, each patient's room is supplied with water-free, alcohol-based foam cleaners, Alford said in an email. The health system will use sterile water for cleaning purposes. Alford said the procedures went into effect with the city-mandated water ban. The hospital system will continue following these safety procedures until the ban is lifted.

Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should contact 911 or poison control immediately, Alford said.

11:05 a.m.: The Art Museum of South Texas announced in a tweet that admission would be free for the day in response to the water restriction and subsequent school closures.

10:53 a.m.: The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority will be suspending bus fares today due to the water contamination, according to a press release.

Bus rides on fixed route services and B-Line services will be free from 11 a.m. until the end of service today.

“CCRTA directors felt that due to the unforeseen cost of having to purchase bottled water and most citizens having to visit multiple locations, suspending fares would financially assist riders during this time of crisis,” the release states.

10:48 a.m.: Robstown ISD will remain open today. The district's water system is not affected by the issue is Corpus Christi. To provide peace of mind, the district will provide bottled water to all campuses, according to a district statement.

10:33 a.m.: CCISD announced that several events that were scheduled for Thursday are cancelled, including all local games, Calk-Wilson Elementary's Literature Forest, Veterans Memorial High School's choir concert and King High School's orchestra concert.

10:32 a.m.: Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, 615 Oliver Court, and the Mother Teresa Shelter for the Homeless, 513 Sam Rankin St., is accepting donations of water, paper plates and paper towels to help the homeless during the water restriction.

10:27 a.m.: Christus Spohn Health System will continue following procedures and garner support from sister facilities as a response to the fourth major Corpus Christi water advisory in a year and a half. The system announced Thursday morning it will continue to receive all trauma cases and perform scheduled procedures and surgeries, according to a news release.

"We have the appropriate resources, along with well-established policies and protocols to ensure the safety of our patients," Communication Specialist Alexis Mays said in a news release.

The hospital system will continue to follow those procedures until the water ban is lifted. For now, the system will work with sister facilities for support of any water needs.

Bay Area Hospital has not yet released a statement.

10:15 a.m.: Corpus Christi ISD Director of Athletics Brenda Marshall stated in an email that all middle school basketball games scheduled for Thursday have been cancelled. There were no high school activities scheduled for Thursday.

6:57 a.m.: The South Texas Water Authority announced that none of its customers are affected by Corpus Christi's water issues. The areas with water safe to drink include: Agua Dulce, Banquete, Bishop, Driscoll, Kingsville, Nueces Water Supply Corp. and Ricardo Water Supply Corp. Nueces subdivisions such as Fiesta Ranch, Indian Trails, La Paloma, Lost Creek, Rancho Banquete, Spring Gardens, Sweet Water and The Plains receive water service from the Nueces Water Supply Corp.

Notices not to use tap water were issued Wednesday for those areas only out of an abundance of caution, the news release states.

6:45 a.m.: An alert from the City of Kingsville says the city's water supply is NOT contaminated and is safe for consumption. Kingsville’s water supply is not directly tied into the Corpus Christi system and 90 percent of the water used each year comes from underground water through an independently run water well system.

The remaining water supply comes from the South Texas Water Authority (STWA) on an as needed basis. That water comes via a pipeline directly from Stevens Water Treatment Plant in the Calallen area. As a precaution, Kingsville shut off the valves from STWA and will solely run on the independent water well system until Corpus Christi's water issues are resolved, according to the alert.

6:38 a.m.: Besides CCISD, Kingsville ISD and Seashore Charter Schools, Flour Bluff ISD and Catholic Schools of Corpus Christi have cancelled classes for today. Bishop ISD announced a delayed start time of 10 a.m.

6:33 a.m.: City officials are not expected to announce any new information for at least a few hours as test results have not returned from a testing facility in Austin.

6:30 a.m.: Mayor Dan McQueen emphasized the city's system, in terms of disinfectant, did not fail. City officials say it was a valve in the industrial district. The potential contamination was discovered when an industrial property reported a sheen in the water when washing hands. That happened before 6 p.m. Wednesday. The city is looking at two "petroleum based" chemicals, but officials are not saying which ones or where the first call came from.

The industrial district is north of Interstate 37 and generally between Southern Minerals Road and Nueces Bay Boulevard.

6:28 a.m.: Seashore Charter Schools just announced classes will now be cancelled today.

6:17 a.m.: Robstown's water is safe to drink since the system is separate from the Corpus Christi water supply, said David Flores, Nueces County Water Control's plant superintendent.

6:13 a.m.: An alert from CCISD says classes are now cancelled.

5:57 a.m.: City officials said a report of a water issue Wednesday afternoon started on private property in the industrial district and involves a refinery but have declined to name the refinery. Mayor Dan McQueen and others said the first priority is ensuring the public's safety and getting the test results back from samples sent to a testing facility in Austin. The city is working with the TCEQ and McQueen said "As soon as we get any information we will let you know."

5:50 a.m.: Seashore Charter Schools will have classes today. School officials said that while bottled water will be provided parents are asked to send a bottle or two if they can.

Meanwhile, Kingsville ISD, which is affected by Corpus Christi's water notice, sent a tweet announcing classes are cancelled until further notice.

5:10 a.m.: Mayor Dan McQueen, City Manager Margie Rose and other city officials are meeting about the water situation. City spokeswoman Kim Womack said any residents in and our of city limits who receive a water bill from the City of Corpus Christi are included in the advisory and should not drink or use tap water.

4:30 a.m.: Del Mar College says in an alert that classes will proceed as usual; bottled water and hand sanitizer available while supplies last.

2:50 a.m.: A televised advisory indicated that other cities which use the same water supply should also avoid using tap water until further notice. Those include Agua Dulce, Banquete, Bishop, Driscoll and Kingsville, which is in neighboring Kleberg County.

2:45 a.m.: Local HEBs are expecting early morning deliveries of bottled water from San Antonio. The Staples and Saratoga location and Moore Plaza location, which are both open 24 hours, sold out of bottled water. All other locations open at 6 a.m. and should have some available bottled water, according to HEB spokeswoman Regina Garcia. All stores are expected to receive more bottled water, she added.

2 a.m.: Tap water in Port Aransas is safe to drink, according to a report from the Port Aransas South Jetty.

Mark Young, who is the manager of the Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4, told the newspaper that TCEQ officials have no reason to believe that Port Aransas' tap water is unsafe. However, as a precaution the district stopped pumping water from the Corpus Christi supply and is now getting it from San Patricio County, according to the report.

*The advisory is for all of Corpus Christi including Flour Bluff, Calallen and Annaville.

1:42 a.m.: At-large City Councilwoman Paulette Guajardo, who was sworn in Tuesday, says she has been getting many calls from residents concerned because this isn't a water boil notice or advisory, but a chemical issue.

1:25 a.m.: The city may not have more updates until 4-5 a.m. Thursday when their test results return. TCEQ testing will follow.

1:19 a.m.: Tuloso-Midway ISD will have school as scheduled Thursday. T-M Superintendent Sue Nelson said pre-packaged breakfast and sandwiches for lunch have been confirmed.

1:13 a.m.: Bottles were still available at the Corner Store in Flour Bluff.

1:10 a.m.: A Walmart official said local employees called the company's emergency line to get a shipment of bottled water to the store in Flour Bluff. It's unclear when that shipment will arrive.

1:05 a.m.: The city is investigating how much of the chemical entered the system. The chemical is diluted to such an extent, it's thought that at worst could cause stomach discomfort, she said.

12:58 a.m.: It's an oil-based petroleum chemical, city spokeswoman Kim Womack said. The city has consulted with CDC and it's not poisonous and is not expected to be a health hazard, she said. The city is working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Centers for Disease Control, she said.

12:51 a.m.: The city received a call about dirty water this afternoon near the downtown area, Womack said. Crews investigating traced it back to an area between two industrial companies, which the city is not naming at this time. It appears that a backflow preventer either failed or was inadequate. The city worked to isolate the water to the industrial district, Womack said.

12:50 a.m.: At this time the regular school day remains in place for CCISD, reports Beatriz Alvarado.

12:46: There are few bottles remaining and empty shelves at @HEB In Flour Bluff. CVS on Yorktown and Staples and HEB Plus on Saratoga are out of water.

12:20 a.m.: The City of Portland issued an advisory saying Portland's water supply is safe to drink and not affected by Corpus Christi's contamination issue, according to the San Patricio Municipal Water District.

12:10 a.m.: Reporter Matt Woolbright says the bottled water supply at the HEB on Staples and SPID is sold out. The inventory was gone within an hour of the city's announcement.