Boil water notice issued for Clarendon

A boil water notice is in effect for the City of Clarendon following damage to a water main in the north part of the city Tuesday, December 4.

City Hall says a water drilling contractor hit a 6-inch pipe while digging a slush pit about 5 p.m. yesterday. City Administrator Lambert Little said crews had previously worked in the area, and the pipe is not shown on the city’s maps.

City employees repaired the pipe by about 7:30 p.m.,  but because of the diminished water pressure during and following the break, City Hall followed recommendations of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and has asked citizens to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and for making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

Little said Wednesday morning that water pressure in the city was rising and that city workers are flushing lines today. Once they are finished, water samples will be taken to Amarillo for testing, which takes about 12 hours.  Little said it is possible that results will be available and the boil notice rescinded by noon on Thursday, but citizens should plan on the notice being in effect until Friday.

The Enterprise will have more information as soon as it becomes available.