City officials held a second press conference on Saturday, July 12, to provide updates on the ongoing citywide boil-water notice and the City’s continued efforts to restore water safety for residents.
The boil-water notice was issued on Wednesday, July 9, after efforts to bring up chlorine levels in one area continued to indicate that chlorine levels in the city’s water system had dropped below the minimum threshold required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). In response, the City took immediate corrective action to restore disinfectant levels and ensure the safety of the water supply.
To support residents during this period, City Manager Jesús A. Garza announced during today’s press conference that the City will provide a $10 credit to be applied to all 22,000 residential utility accounts to help residents buy bottled water, if necessary.
“We recognize that this has been a very serious issue for all of you, and we want to assure you that our focus is to rescind the boil-water notice,” City Manager Jesús A. Garza said during the press briefing. “We are taking all necessary steps to resolve the issue quickly and safely.”
Immediate Action: Chlorine Conversion Underway
As part of its response, the City launched a systemwide Chlorine Conversion at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 12. This process, originally scheduled to begin in August, was moved up to expedite the restoration of appropriate chlorine levels. A chlorine conversion involves temporarily switching from chloramines to a higher level of chlorine concentrate used in the disinfection process to eliminate any contaminants in the water system.
Garza emphasized during the press conference that this process is safe and commonly used to address disinfection-level issues. In fact, he said, the City has done an annual chlorine conversion for nearly 25 consecutive years since the City shifted its water source to surface water. The City will continue to collect and test water samples throughout the system until chlorine levels are stabilized.
Timeline for Rescinding the Notice
During the press conference, Garza provided a recap of the timeline of events that have occurred to date and the anticipated timeline for rescinding the boil-water notice:
- Monday, July 7: Low chlorine levels were identified as a localized issue at the intersection of John Stockbauer and Miori; this prompted an assessment of systemwide chlorine levels, of which all was restored accordingly except for the localized issue. Localized flushing begins with the rectified systemwide chlorine levels in place.
- Tuesday, July 8: Localized flushing continues but fails to restore adequate chlorine levels
- Wednesday, July 9: Boil-water notice issued, initiated elevated systemwide flush
- Thursday, July 10: Systemwide flushing continues
- Friday, July 11: Systemwide flush fails to restore adequate chlorine levels at or near original area of concern. In addition, the city conducts its first press conference, and elevates its response following permission from TCEQ to move up the chlorine conversion
- Saturday, July 12: The city conducts its second press conference, and chlorine conversion begins, which helps provide a more definitive timeline
- Sunday, July 13: anticipated test for chlorine levels
- Monday, July 14: anticipated test for bacteria (requirement by TCEQ to rescind boil water notice
- Tuesday, July 15: anticipated best case scenario for the rescinding of boil-water notice
- Wednesday, July 16: anticipated possible rescinding of boil-water notice should any step get delayed along the way
According to Garza, if test results following the completion of the chlorine conversion process show consistent, systemwide improvement in chlorine levels, then the City can conduct the bacteria testing, which requires 24 hours to receive results. Thus, the notice could be lifted as early as Tuesday, July 15.
Garza said in the absence of Tuesday July 15, and if chlorine levels do not rebound quickly and cause a delay in testing, the boil-water notice may remain in effect through mid-week.
“We’re being upfront about the possibilities,” City Manager Jesús A. Garza said. “We are hopeful for the shorter timeline, but we are preparing for all contingencies.”
Commitment to Long-Term Solutions
Mayor Duane Crocker stressed the importance of long-term solutions.
“What we do know is that answers are owed and will be required,” Crocker said. “I will be working closely with the city council to call for a full recounting of why this occurred, how we can best implement long-term investments in our water system that our residents deserve and to restore confidence. While it may come with significant costs, the cost of inaction may be greater.”
Stay Connected
The City will no longer host further press conferences and instead plan to provide daily updates on the City’s efforts to bring the water system back into TCEQ compliance and rescind the boil-water notice.
To sign up for the City’s Alert Center, visit www.victoriatx.gov/alertcenter. If residents experience issues editing their contact information, click “Create Account” and proceed to the next page to enter additional contact methods.
City utility customer account holders will automatically receive Alert Center updates at the information linked to their utility account.
For further assistance, contact Communications & Public Affairs at communications@victoriatx.gov.