Ennis ISD classes canceled Monday due to water main break and boil water notice

Ennis water main break leads to boil water notice

People are being told to boil their water after a water main break in Ennis led to several other breaks. Ennis ISD has canceled class on Monday as a result.

ENNIS, Texas - A boil water notice for the City of Ennis is causing Ennis ISD classes to be canceled for students and staff on Monday, Dec. 2.

On Saturday, just before 11 p.m., there was an 8-inch water main break at the intersection of I-45 and Highway 34. That break triggered several other water main breaks across the city. Various parts of the city experienced reduced water pressure.

The city began working on the issue and told residents to conserve as much water as possible.

City crews and outside contractors were dealing with 7 total water main breaks. Three had been plugged as of 4 p.m.

Bottled water is available for residents starting at 8 a.m. Monday at Fire Station No. 1 at 1700 West Lake Bardwell Drive.

The city is asking people taking part in the water distribution to take Hall St. to Old Bardwell Road and enter through the back of the fire station.

Residents with running water are asked to boil tap water to save bottled water for the portion of the city that is completely without it.

Once water pressure is restored, a sample will have to be sent to a lab to confirm it's safe for consumption.

Boil Water Notice:

If commercially bottled water is not available, boil your tap water before using it. Boiling kills germs in the tap water that could make you sick. To kill germs, bring water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute. To avoid burns, allow boiled water to cool before you use it. NOTE: You will still need to boil tap water if it has been through a home water filter or a pitcher that filters water.

Do not use water or ice from your fridge‎

During any type of drinking water advisory, do not drink or use water from appliances connected to your water line. This includes the water and ice dispensers in your refrigerator or freezer.

Drinking and cooking

Use commercially bottled water or boiled water for drinking and to prepare and cook food.

Handwashing

In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash your hands during a boil water advisory.

Bathing and showering

Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering. Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

Brushing teeth

Brush your teeth using boiled water or commercially bottled water. Do not use tap water that you have not boiled first.

Washing dishes

If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory. Sanitize all baby bottles.

Dishwashers are generally safe to use if they have a sanitizing cycle or reach a final rinse temperature of at least 150°F (66°C).

To wash dishes by hand, wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would, using hot water. In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water. Soak the rinsed dishes in water for at least one minute. Let the dishes air dry completely before using them again.