Improvements seen, but 8.7 million Texans still boiling water

Robert Besser
25 Feb 2021, 07:14 GMT+10

Some 8.7 million Texans remain under orders to boil their water before drinking or cooking.
The boil orders follow the massive winter storm and freezing temperatures that struck Texas.
The state requires water companies to issue boil orders if water is not properly disinfected.

Some 8.7 million Texans remain under orders to boil their water before drinking or cooking with it, following a massive winter storm and freezing temperatures that paralyzed the state.

Of note, as early as Sunday over 12 million Texans were under boil orders, so the new number of 8.7 million is providing reassurance that things are slowly returning to normal.

The state requires water companies to issue boil orders if water pressure drops far enough that disinfections equipment does not function properly. The power outages and burst pipes throughout Texas have caused water pressures to drop to dangerously low levels.

Those required to boil water must ensure water has been boiled for two minutes before being used. And boiled water must be used with food, coffee and brushing teeth.

Also, water distribution centers are open throughout the state. Even in large cities like Dallas-Fort Worth residents are relying on distribution centers for their water.

On the other hand, water distribution centers in San Antonio are being closed, as safe water has been largely restored throughout the city.

In Austin, only part of the city has had safe drinking water restored.

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