City of Alice Rescinds Precautionary Boil Water Notice

The City of Alice lifted a precautionary boil water notice for all customers at 3:26 p.m. on December 30 after testing confirmed chlorine residuals had returned to required levels. City officials had issued the notice earlier that day when routine monitoring showed low chlorine residuals in some locations outside the city limits, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality procedures required a system wide precaution.

Under the notice residents were instructed to bring water to a vigorous rolling boil for two minutes before using it for drinking, cooking, or making ice. Seniors and people with weakened immune systems were urged to be especially cautious while the system ran under the precautionary advisory. The city informed customers it would rescind the order and notify residents once repeat testing verified safe residual chlorine levels.

Chlorine residual is the remaining disinfectant in a treated water system that helps prevent bacterial growth and contamination between the treatment plant and customers taps. When residuals fall below regulatory thresholds the risk of contamination rises, which is why the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires precautionary measures until testing confirms the system is back in compliance. City crews conducted follow up sampling and laboratory analysis that showed residual levels met the required standards, prompting the rescission of the notice.

Local impact was limited in duration but broad in scope because the Alice system serves customers inside and outside the municipal boundary. Residents in rural subdivisions and homes beyond the city limits experienced the same restrictions as city customers while the advisory was in place. Businesses that use potable water for food preparation were also affected during the advisory period and had to follow boiling procedures or use alternative water supplies until the notice was lifted.

Going forward the city will continue routine monitoring and follow state procedures when abnormalities are detected. If you used tap water while the notice was in effect and are concerned, discard ice made during that time and boil water for cooking and drinking until you are certain it was produced after the resumption of normal chlorine residuals. City officials have notified customers that the precautionary measures have ended and normal water use may resume.