For Immediate Release – May 14, 2008

AUSTIN - The Austin Water Utility (AWU) is advising a small portion of West Austin residents to boil their water before consumption.

Residents affected are in the Woods at Westlake Heights Neighborhood and the Barclay Woods Neighborhood just southwest of Capitol of Texas Highway (Loop 360) and north of Mopac (Loop 1).

A loss of water pressure occurred between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning due to a contractor who inadvertently opened a valve during a routine tie-in operation at a nearby water pipeline. Water has been restored but door hangers with pertinent information are being delivered to affected homes now.

The area affected is bordered by Barclay Drive to the north, Real Catorce to the south, the Barton Creek Greenbelt to the west, and Capitol of Texas Highway (Loop 360) to the east.

Residents should not use water for drinking, cooking or ice-making until Austin Water has tested it and issued a notice that the water meets state and city standards. To ensure destruction of any harmful bacteria or other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and ice-making should be boiled and cooled before consumption. The water should be brought to a rigorous boil and then boiled for two minutes. Austin Water will notify residents when it is no longer necessary to boil the water.

For more information, affected residents may call the Austin Water Utility Dispatch Office at 972-1000.

Media Contact:
Kevin Buchman
Email to: Kevin.Buchman@ci.austin.tx.us
City of Austin Water Utility
(512) 972-0151; pgr.(512) 802-8959