The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality released a “boil water notice” for the city of Kemp on Christmas Eve due to low water pressure caused by a power loss at the water treatment plant.
The boil water notice was issued out of concern that harmful bacteria and other microbes that may be in the water. Boiling water ensures that these harmful bacteria and microbes are killed prior to consumption.
In a statement, the City instructed, “The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottle water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the City of Kemp will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.”
The City of Kemp is also asking residents to conserve water so that the water treatment plant can build up the necessary reserve elevation in its water tower. As part of the conservation effort, Kemp asked all customers to turn off their water if they are experiencing leaks or contact the local water department for assistance to do so.
The City of Kemp will issue another notice when the water is confirmed to be safe for human consumption again, according to its initial statement.