SAWS issues boil water notice, we may not see relief from power outages until Saturday

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – The San Antonio Water System has issued a boil water notice. SAWS President and CEO Robert Puente told the city council the advisory is a precautionary measure because of the low-water pressure situation many area residents are experiencing, while others have no running water at all.  The boil water notice  is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality when the water pressure is reduced to a certain level.

“Our water is safe,” said Robert Puente.

SAWS  pumping  stations, which refill storage tanks, have been affected by rolling power outages.

Water for drinking, cooking, and ice-making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. SAWS recommends boiling tap water, even if it is filtered. Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.

If you have no electricity, you can use a gas stove, barbecue grill, camp stove, fire pit, fireplace, or candles.  Puente says they also will try to get water to those who are unable to boil water.

SAWS will notify customers when the water is safe for consumption purposes.

Meanwhile, about 200,000  to 300,00 San Antonio residents are without power.   CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams says we may not see relief from the power outages until Saturday when “the wet part of the storm” moves out.

Councilman Clayton Perry asked at the emergency city council meeting  why San Antonio is part of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. That’s the agency that oversees the state’s power grid. Perry noted that El Paso is not part of ERCOT.  He also told the council that he’s heard from San Antonians who have been without power for 40 hours.

Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan says some residents in her district have been without water for four days.  She and councilwoman Shirley Gonzales expressed concerns about  hotels that have no  electricity or water being unable to serve area residents who are seeking shelter.