KEENE, TX 02/20/2021 - Due to the inclement weather and electrical rolling blackouts, Johnson County Special Utility District (JSUD) encountered problems in their distribution system eliminating their ability to supply water to the Keene Water System.
JSUD water accounts for almost half of the Keene Water System supply. Similar issues related to the weather and electrical rolling blackouts caused two of the City’s water wells to break down throughout the week. City staff was able to restore both of the offline wells on Friday, February 19. As frozen water pipes began to thaw, the water system suffered a significant water loss due to broken residential pipes along with increased customer use. As a result, the distribution system encountered low water pressure Friday evening causing the City to issue a boil water notice as required by state regulations.
The TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) requires all public water systems to notify affected customers to boil their water before 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 the destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled before use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for an additional two minutes.
After exhausting all other measures, it became apparent that the City would not be able to continue to meet water demands, resulting in the forced closure of the city’s water system. By doing so, will allow the City’s water wells to replenish the distribution system. At this time, JSUD (Johnson County Special Utility District) remains unable to restore water to the Keene Water System.
The City is working to restore water to every customer as soon as possible.