Due to weather-related issues leading to reduced distribution system pressure, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of La Porte, Texas (Water System No. TX1010018) public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the City of La Porte’s Public Works Department at 281-471-9650. For more information, visit laportetx.gov and follow the La Porte Office of Emergency Management on Social Media @LPOEM.
Official Release
Fact Sheet: What to Do During a Boil Water Notice
February 20, 2021:
While the Boil Water Notice remains in effect, the City’s Public Works Department is working as quickly as possible to have it lifted. The City has started the process of collecting and submitting water quality samples to labs for testing. Once this process is complete, we will update you with information on when the Boil Water Notice will be lifted.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has federal emergency aid for areas affected by the severe winter storm. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
If you experienced damage as a result of the winter weather, it is important to document everything throughout your recovery process. Start with these three steps: 1) Take photos of your damaged home and belongings, 2) Make a list of damaged or lost items, and 3) If you have insurance, contact them as soon as possible to file a claim.
If you will be performing repairs to your home as a result of the winter weather, we ask that you obtain a permit from the City’s Permits Office because it may be required for insurance purposes. This will also allow City staff to better understand impacts across La Porte and ensure standards for repair work are being upheld for our residents and businesses. For more information, contact the Permits Office during regular business hours at 281-470-5073.
If you have damage, separate your storm-related debris from regular household garbage. Your household (not contractor) debris from water damage can be bagged and placed at the curbside for heavy trash pick-up. Please call 281-471-9650 for any questions related to garbage or debris.
For more information, follow the La Porte Office of Emergency Management on social media or visit LaPorteTX.gov.