Crime & Safety
Water Main Breaks In Downtown Austin: Police
Residents have been told to avoid the area while crews work to repair the break.
AUSTIN, TX — Crews on Thursday morning were working to repair a water main that broke amid freezing temperatures in downtown Austin.
The break happened on Lavaca Street between 8th and 15th Streets, Austin police said on social media. Drivers were encouraged to avoid the area.
KXAN reported that as of around 8 a.m. on Thursday, repair crews were still working to locate the leak. Water was seen coming out of the street, freezing and cracking the asphalt, according to the report.
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#ATXtraffic There is a water main break on Lavaca between 8th at 15th Streets, please avoid the area. WC7
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) February 18, 2021
It's unclear how the break will affect the supply of water to homes and businesses in the area.
The City of Austin late Wednesday issued a boil water notice to residents of the entire city after a power outage at Ullrich Water Treatment Plant brought water pressure below minimum standards.
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The city asked residents to boil any tap water they plan to drink, cook or make ice with. According to the notice, water should be kept at a vigorous rolling boil for two minutes before drinking.
The city said it will issue another notice when municipal water is again safe to drink.
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