Crowley water customers asked to boil water; tanks refilling after break near pump

Crews are working to repair a broken water line near the city's pump station.

The city of Crowley is asking residents to boil their water prior to consumption after a break in the water line caused the supply to drop to critical levels overnight.

City officials said a water line broke near the pump station, cutting off water service to much of the city late Tuesday into Wednesday. The break dropped the water level in the city’s water towers to critically low levels.

The city said its crews worked with private contractors through the night and into Wednesday morning to quickly repair a broken water line near the city’s main pump station. That break has now been repaired, and the city said it is refilling its water tanks.

City officials told NBC 5 they aren't sure what caused the break, but that it was not related to any construction. Drivers are asked to use caution when traveling on E. Main Street by Walmart, as water crews may still be working in the area.

While the system is recharged, water pressure will slowly return to normal. During that time, all residents are being asked to boil their water before drinking, making ice, washing their hands, or brushing their teeth. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil, then boiled for two minutes. Or instead of boiling, individuals may use bottled water or obtain water from another suitable source for drinking or human consumption.

During the conservation period, the city asked people to avoid unnecessary water use, including watering lawns, washing cars or anything else that can wait.

Why are we asked to boil water?

Lower water pressure in the pipes allows groundwater and other contaminants to seep into older pipes that may have cracks. Some of that groundwater could contain harmful bacteria that can only be eliminated by boiling the water. Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking or other human consumption.

Water for drinking or preparing food

• Bring the water to a vigorous, rolling boil for 2 to 5 minutes, then allow it to cool before using. Boil tap water even if it's filtered.
• You can boil water and then refrigerate it for later use.
• You can also substitute bottled water if available.
• Do not use any water from an appliance connected to the water line, such as filtration systems or ice and water from a refrigerator.

Other water uses

• During a boil water notice, IT IS safe to shower or bathe as long as you don't ingest the water. (As long as your city has not asked you to conserve for consumption only)
• Use caution when bathing babies and young children; consider a sponge bath to reduce the chances of them swallowing water.
• Only brush your teeth with boiled or bottled water.
• If possible, use disposable plates, cups and utensils. Dishwashers are safe to use if the final rinse temperature gets to at least 150 degrees or if you have a sanitizing cycle.
• It is safe to wash laundry as usual.
• Use bottled, boiled or bleach-disinfected water for cleaning.
• Do not let pets drink tap water; either boil the water or use bottled water.
• Tap water can be used to water plants.

Once power is stabilized and water pressure is restored, it may take 24 to 48 hours for the boil water notice to be lifted.