ODESSA, Texas — UPDATE:
As of 1:16 p.m., Monday, July 1, The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has lifted the boil water notice for the entire City of Odessa. Residents and businesses can now use water as usual without the need for boiling, according to a press release from the City of Odessa.
For any further inquiries, the Utilities Department can be contacted at (432) 335-4627.
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A boil water notice remains in effect Sunday for all of Odessa, however, it is expected to be lifted on Monday, according to the City of Odessa. This situation all started after a 12" water line break in the 1800 block of E. 46th St. on Saturday, which prompted the water plant and all water towers in Odessa to shut down.
According to Odessa City Manager John Beckmeyer on Saturday, he got the call about the break around 6 a.m. and crews were already on scene.
The water line was discovered to be around 70 years old, City Manager Beckmeyer told NewsWest 9.
"This is kind of the same song on a different day," City Manager Beckmeyer said when asked if water line breaks in Odessa are new.
Around 3 a.m., a truck ran into where the water line broke.
When City Manager Beckmeyer was asked if anybody was hurt, he said he doesn't know about any injuries.
According to Beckmeyer, water should be restored for all residents after 6 p.m. on Saturday once the break is repaired. Then, a boil water notice will go into effect, according to the city.
Here is the new information on the boil water notice in Odessa and frequently asked questions:
"The Boil Water Notice is still in effect. We hope to have it lifted by tomorrow and will keep you updated.
Drinking, Cleaning, Cooking - Please boil water until the notice has been lifted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What about brushing your teeth?
Use bottled or boiled water to brush your teeth.
How long should water be boiled?
Vigorous boiling for at least one full minute is the safest and most effective method of disinfection.
What if I accidentally drank tap water before I learned about the Precautionary Boil Water Notice?
If this happens, don’t panic. The chances of becoming sick are slim. See your doctor if you experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps.
How does boiling water make it safe to drink?
Boiling water purifies it because disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites will be destroyed by the heat.
Can I take a shower?
Yes. Just be careful not to drink the water while you shower or bath.
Can I use my ice maker during the notice?
Ice already in the freezer when the water pressure drops and before the Precautionary Boil Water Notice is issued is safe. When the notice is issued, turn off your ice maker. Any ice made during the notice should also be disposed of. Allow your icemaker to make three batches of ice and then discard that ice.
Can I use tap water for making coffee, tea, lemonade, baby formula, frozen juice, or other beverages?
No. Water intended for drinking must be boiled before using it to make beverages or use bottled water.
Can I wash food with tap water?
Fruits, vegetables and other foods should be washed with bottled or boiled water only.
What about washing dishes?
Hand-washing dishes: Wash with hot soapy water, then use boiled water to rinse.
Dishwasher: If the hot water reaches at least 170 degrees or the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle and includes a full dry cycle, this will be sufficient.
Can I wash my hands in tap water during the notice period?
Use tap water and soap for hand washing and basic hygiene, but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottled or boiled water." - City of Odessa
NewsWest 9 will update this story once more information becomes available.