Houston placed under boil water notice

Water surges up from under the street from a water main break that flooded Clinton Drive just east of the East Loop 610 on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Houston. The flooding closed the major freeway that circles the city. less Water surges up from under the street from a water main break that flooded Clinton Drive just east of the East Loop 610 on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Houston. The flooding closed the major freeway that circles ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer/Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer/Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Houston placed under boil water notice 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

Houston is under a boil water notice until further notice following Thursday's water line break, according to the city’s Public Works department.



“Houston Public Works has received reports of low water pressure and we ask the community to conserve water in the area (minimize water usage, turn off sprinklers, avoid watering outdoors and washing cars),” according to a statement.

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Residents should boil their water prior to consumption, including before washing hands and face, brushing teeth and drinking.

Additionally, the city issued the following instructions:

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The city said water pressure should be slowly restored over the next few hours. More information can be found in this PDF. A map of the affected area is here.

The announcement was the latest development in the fallout from a water line break that forced the closure of schools, restaurants and roadways across parts of east Houston.

Anyone with questions on the boil water notice should contact 311 or email waterquality@houstontx.gov.