City of Laredo Declares Local State of Disaster Due to Citywide Water Boil Notice
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Oct 11, 2024, 0 Comments
Courtesy Noraida Negron,
Laredo, Texas — The City of Laredo has declared a local state of disaster in response to a citywide Boil Water Notice (BWN) issued on October 10, 2024, following the detection of E. coli in the public water system. This declaration, effective from 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, to 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2024, unless extended, is in accordance with the Texas Government Code §418.108(a).
The Boil Water Notice was mandated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as a precautionary measure. Citizens are advised to boil their water before consuming it, including for washing hands or face, brushing teeth, and drinking, until further notice. The City is conducting ongoing testing to ensure that the water supply meets safety standards and will notify residents once the system returns to acceptable contaminant levels.
Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño issued the emergency declaration to protect public health and safety as the presence of E. coli poses an imminent threat to the community. Under this declaration, the City’s emergency management plan has been activated, and all necessary resources will be mobilized to manage the situation and prevent any further spread of contamination.
In a statement, Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño emphasized the urgency of the situation: “The public health and safety of our community is paramount. As we continue through our testing and water distribution operations, we are requesting more assistance from all the State agencies involved. As Mayor, I ask the community to come together as Laredoans and overcome this challenge. God Bless.”
Residents are urged to:
· Follow all precautions detailed in the Boil Water Notice.
· Cooperate with local authorities and heed instructions from police, emergency, and healthcare personnel.
· Immediately report any suspected cases of E. coli infection to the Laredo Public Health Department.
· Stay vigilant in ensuring public health and report any issues related to the water supply.
Local authorities are working closely with state health and environmental agencies to address the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. The City urges all residents to stay informed through official channels.
For more information, visit the City of Laredo’s website or contact 3-1-1.
