LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy David Alegria,

Laredo, Texas – The City of Laredo hosted a press conference on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 to address the current boil water notice and next steps the City is taking to resolve the issue.

An investigation into to the root cause of the low chlorine levels that led to the boil water notice is ongoing. Initial findings indicate the issue arose due to dead ends and high temperatures that allowed for chlorine to dissipate, along with operational errors at the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant.

The city-wide boil water notice remains in effect and the City continues its commitment to provide bottled water throughout the community until the notice is lifted. Beginning this afternoon, the City will implement a free chlorine conversion throughout the entire public water system to increase chlorine levels required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Throughout the conversion process, the City and TCEQ will monitor disinfectant levels at representative areas to verify they are sustained appropriately, thus allowing the boil water notice to be lifted. The City enacted a bi-yearly chlorine conversion process to monitor disinfectant levels in 2019. Today’s added chlorine conversion ensures the most effective, surest and quickest way to come out from the boil water notice.

Residents may notice a chlorine-like smell and taste in their water, as well as a cloudy appearance, but this is a normal part of the chlorine conversion process.

For persons who may be sensitive to chlorine (when using a swimming pool may get a rash, itch or feel burning in their eyes or body):

• Children: fill a tub with water and let it sit for 30 minutes before use

• Use more hot water than cold to reduce the chlorine

• Use less soap and more water, dry, and use any hypoallergenic cream

• Call your doctor if you feel any irritation after showering during this period

“As City Manager, I am committed to fixing this issue whether it is mechanical, operational, or both,” stated Eads. “I remain committed to working side by side with not only our internal staff or procedures, but also with TCEQ in order to be guided to the best solution possible for our entire water system, including the quickest way to get us back on our feet and on stable ground.”

As part of response to the boil water notice and to assist residents, the City will continue to host bottled water distributions. The National Guard is also assisting the City on these efforts, along with the Laredo Fire Department, by delivering water to senior living facilities. Locations for water distributions taking place on Wednesday will be announced soon, weather permitting.

The City reiterates that the boil water notice is a precautionary measure due to the low chlorine levels, but no bacteria or contaminants have been found in the City’s water system.