Odessa residents advised to boil water due to contamination cisk at rainbow water tower

Credit City of Odessa

Odessa, Texas- Due to low levels at the Rainbow water tower, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Odessa Public Water System TX0680002 to notify all customers in the area 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.  

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 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Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.  

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the Utilities Dept. at 432-335-4627, 119 W. 4th, Suite 4, Odessa, Texas.  

We hope to have it lifted in 24 to 48 hours, as soon as samples are cleared. 

Frequently asked questions: 

What about brushing your teeth? 

Use bottled or boiled water to brush your teeth.

How long should water be boiled? 

Vigorous boiling for at least one full minute is the safest and most effective method of disinfection. 

What if I accidentally drank tap water before I learned about the Precautionary Boil Water Notice? 

If this happens, don’t panic. The chances of becoming sick are slim. See your doctor if you experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps.

How does boiling water make it safe to drink? 

Boiling water purifies it because disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites will be destroyed by the heat.

Can I take a shower? 

Yes. Just be careful not to drink the water while you shower or bath.

Can I use my ice maker during the notice? 

Ice already in the freezer when the water pressure drops and before the Precautionary Boil Water Notice is issued is safe. When the notice is issued, turn off your ice maker. Any ice made during the notice should also be disposed of. Allow your icemaker to make three batches of ice and then discard that ice.

Can I use tap water for making coffee, tea, lemonade, baby formula, frozen juice, or other beverages? 

No. Water intended for drinking must be boiled before using it to make beverages or use bottled water.

Can I wash food with tap water? 

Fruits, vegetables and other foods should be washed with bottled or boiled water only.

What about washing dishes? 

Hand-washing dishes: Wash with hot soapy water, then use boiled water to rinse.

Dishwasher: If the hot water reaches at least 170 degrees or the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle and includes a full dry cycle, this will be sufficient.

Can I wash my hands in tap water during the notice period?

Use tap water and soap for hand washing and basic hygiene, but if you are washing your hands to prepare food, use bottled or boiled water.

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City of Odessa