Leander Lifts Boil Water Notice, But Conservation Efforts Persist

LEANDER, TX — The City of Leander on Tuesday lifted its boil water notice and declared tap water safe to drink. Stage 4 water restrictions remained in place.

In a news release, the city said it took samples from the city's public water system on Monday and tested them for coliform and E. coli bacteria. The tests came back negative, meaning tap water is safe to drink.

Before residents begin drinking tap water, they are encouraged to flush out their pipes. Pipes can be flushed by running cold water faucets continuously for at least five minutes and draining and refilling hot water heaters that are kept below 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water coolers and ice makers should also be flushed, the city said. Coolers with direct water connections should be flushed for five minutes, and ice makers should be cleaned by making and discarding at least three batches of ice cubes.

Water softeners should be put through a regeneration cycle, and point-of-entry and point-of-use water filters should also be replaced, according to the city.

Throughout the week, residents may notice open fire hydrants across Leander. The city said this is normal and a necessary step required to flush air and debris from water lines.

Questions about the city's water system can be directed to 512-259-2640 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., the city said. After-hour pipe bursts and water leaks should be reported to the Leander Police Department's non-emergency line at 512-528-2800.

While the boil water restriction has been lifted, citywide conservation measures have not. The city reminded residents on Tuesday to continue following Stage 4 water restrictions, which prohibit outdoor watering and the washing of cars.

According to the Stage 4 plan, residents should avoid non-essential uses of water and should work quickly to repair controllable leaks such as broken sprinkler heads and leaking valves, pipes or faucets.