The City has restored adequate pressure to its water system to be able to send water samples for testing, a crucial step in the process of removing the water boil notice.
City officials provided an update about water service during a virtual press briefing at 4 p.m. City officials will continue to provide daily updates as determined necessary until further notice.
All of the City’s water storage tanks have been refilled to their normal levels, which has allowed the City to maintain water pressure of 50-60 PSI across the system. As a result, the City was able to collect samples to be tested. If the samples are free of contaminants, the water boil notice can be lifted. During the press briefing, officials estimated that the samples would be sent to a local testing facility by the end of the day.
The restoration of water pressure has allowed the Victoria Fire Department to return to normal service using the fire hydrants without having to fill tanks at the water plant.
The entire system has been restored for water service. However, the number of requested water shut-offs indicates that some residents remain without water due to broken pipes on private property. The City has received more than 600 requests to shut off water since Tuesday.
Residents are asked to continue reporting leaks and practicing water conservation. To report a leak, call 361-485-3381. Residents can report leaks or line breaks 24/7. For additional questions, additional staff will be available 8-5 p.m. tomorrow. The hotline has received nearly 2,500 calls from residents reporting leaks and asking questions related to the interruption in water service.
With bottled water still in short supply statewide, the City continues to work with local organization to prioritize distribution of water to areas of greatest need. The City has distributed more than 1,400 cases of water to area health care providers, schools and nonprofits.
Local leaders remain in contact with state officials about potential sources of state and federal aid. Mayor Rawley McCoy stated that FEMA was likely to provide public and private assistance in response to the winter storm. The City will provide details as they become available.