A boil water notice has been lifted in Tyler. Next steps for the city, plus what to do in your home/business.

On Monday, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) required the City of Tyler public water system to issue a boil water notice for the west side of the city to inform customers that due to reduced system pressures resulting from a water main break, the water was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking or human consumption purposes.

Tyler Water Utilities said it has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of Wednesday.

Next steps

“Water samples were submitted to NET Health labs yesterday at 5 p.m., and we’re very grateful that they stayed open to start testing,” said Utilities Director Kate Dietz, PE. “Now, the next steps include repairing the roadway in front of Sam’s Club from the water main break, so we’re working with TxDOT to figure out the best way to move forward.”

If you have questions concerning this matter, contact the Water Service Center at (903) 531-1285.

The boil notice affected residents and businesses in West Tyler.

What to do after a boil notice is over

You should flush your water faucets for a minimum of 15 minutes, according to the city. To flush, turn on the cold water tap at all faucets and run the water for at least 15 minutes. Begin with the faucet that is highest up in your home or building, then open the other faucets one at a time, moving them from the highest floor to the lowest.

Emptying your hot water heater is not necessary, the city said.

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser and/or ice maker, it is a good idea to flush and clean them as they are connected to your water line. Follow the directions in your fridge’s manual or change the filter cartridges, throw out the ice, flush the water dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes, run the ice maker for 1 hour then throw out all the ice, and wash and sanitize bin areas.

This advice applies to commercial and residential customers.

WAS YOUR HOME/BUSINESS IN THE AFFECTED AREA? Check this map.

What happened?

The water main break occurred near Sam’s Club on Monday morning.

The break depleted water tanks on the west side of town, causing water shortages or low water pressure in many households and businesses. TWU crews have been working on the repairs. As of Monday morning, water valves had been identified and shut off, and the leak had been contained.

As a result, the city of Tyler issued a boil water notice as of 3:55 p.m. Monday afternoon for TWU customers in the west area of Tyler as a safety precaution. This affected 3,404 water connections, according to the city.

The city said on Monday it was hoping to be able to rescind the boil water notice within 48 to 72 hours. On Tuesday evening, the city said the pipe had been fixed and water samples were sent to a lab for testing.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires the City of Tyler public water system to notify TWU customers to boil their water prior to consumption. Children, seniors and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow boil notice directions.

When under a boil water notice, to ensure the 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. 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. Whenever possible, residents should assist their friends and neighbors in need.

When it was no longer necessary to boil the water, public water system officials notifed customers that the water is safe for consumption.