Icy conditions, low temperatures lead to boil water notice, closures

Businesses, schools and government buildings throughout the central Texas region closed on Monday, Jan. 15 — partly for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and partly for the freezing temperatures and icy conditions that developed over the weekend.

Many businesses and buildings delayed opening or remained closed on Tuesday, Jan. 16, due to continued freeze and wind chill warnings from the National Weather Service. These conditions also led to a boil water notice from the West Travis County Public Utility Agency, which reported a “mechanical failure at the GBRA water plant.”

Hays County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 and No. 2 customers were affected by the notice, according to a public statement from the WTCPUA. The public utility agency also mentioned that crews were unable to maintain system pressure in the Belterra Subdivision.

“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,” it instructed. “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.”

Dripping Springs ISD, which had initially delayed its start times on Jan. 16, chose to cancel all classes that day “due to water issues,” according to a public statement from the district. The closure applied to all campuses, district offices and the DSISD Child Development Center.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers. For the most recent updates, visit wtcpua. org/recent-news.