Due to low distribution pressures (below 20 pounds per square inch (psi)), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Paris public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc.).
On July 1, 2021, lightning struck the communication tower at the Water Treatment Plant, eliminating operational control at the City ground storage pump facility. The pumps at this facility fill the City’s elevated storage tanks to supply water pressure above 20 PSI, during the communication loss the pumps switched to the off position. The pumps were transitioned to manual control by Water Treatment staff, but water pressures fell below 20 PSI, prompting this precautionary boil water notice. Once the pumps were in full operation, elevated storage tank levels were returning to proper levels to provide adequate pressure in the distribution system.
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Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
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 regarding this matter, you may contact either Doug Harris, Director of Utilities, or Danny Rowell, Water Treatment Superintendent, at 903-784-2464.
