AUSTIN, TX — Historic flood waters flowing into our region’s water supply lakes, the Highland Lakes, contain much higher levels of debris, silt, and mud. As a result, Austin water is experiencing reduced water treatment capacity. It is taking more time to filter and treat the water to remove the higher levels of silt and debris.

Despite the higher levels of debris, water treatment plants are delivering drinking water to your homes and businesses that is safe to drink.

During the flood event, we’ve seen the cloudiness of the lake water increase by 100 times from the typical condition of the Highland Lakes. This demonstrates the extreme levels of silt and debris that must be removed from the water at Austin Water treatment plants.

To ensure we have adequate water for customers’ basic needs and fire protection, Austin Water is asking all customers to cut back on your water use as much as possible, including:

• No outdoor watering,
• Minimize indoor water use by postponing clothes washing and dishwashing as long as possible, and
• Taking shorter showers

Any steps you can take to minimize water use at this time will help ensure we have adequate water. We urge customers to do all that you can to conserve water and help us.

Austin Water continues to monitor the plant operations and will provide regular updates on social and media and our website.

Please visit austinwater.org for updates. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.