City still working on water issues in Marlin
The City of Marlin is still repairing water leaks throughout the city after subfreezing temperatures.
The City released a letter on Facebook to residents on Thursday morning saying the following:
"As of Thursday, Jan. 18, your Public Works staff is still repairing water leaks throughout the City of Marlin's water service area. Your City of Marlin Firefighters have continued their efforts to locate and report any/all water leaks. Because of the prolonged subfreezing temperatures, this will likely be an ongoing process. One thing that's apparent, as a result of the water main leaks, is that our water distribution system is building pressure.
This morning, bottled water was delivered to our local healthcare and twenty-four (24) hour care facilities. Public water distribution will take place between the hours of 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM at the former Fire Station 2 (911 Live Oak). We politely ask that all vehicles enter from the facility's Eddins Street entrance, which will be marked with orange traffic cones. Please be ready to present your City of Marlin water bill or a valid form of identification (e.g., driver's license, state issued ID card, etc.).
As mentioned during last night's status update, we kindly ask all citizens, visitors, and businesses to utilize water conservation measures until service and pressure are fully restored. Each citizen and visitor can play an important role during this situation by identifying and reporting water leaks. Between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, water leaks can be reported to the City of Marlin Water Office by dialing 254-883-1450. This office closes for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (please select the Water Office voice prompt). During nights, weekends, and holidays, leaks can be reported via the Marlin Police Department's non-emergency line, (254) 883-9255.
Once again, we sincerely apologize for any and all inconveniences and hardships the current water situation has caused. Our highest priority is to restore your water service and pressure as soon as possible. We will continue to provide daily updates until all issues are fully resolved."
On Wednesday the City released the following explaining the water issues:
Marlin Citizens, Visitors & Businesses,
Over the past forty-eight (48) hours, our Public Works employees have successfully repaired a total of seven (7) water main breaks. In addition, they've also identified and addressed frozen parts within the distribution system which also contributed to water pressure losses and outages. Around 3:20 p.m., we began to experience a pressure increase within our water distribution system (water mains). Unfortunately, this pressure increase was short lived. It is believed that the increase in water usage, which is typical during the late afternoon hours, led to a decrease in water pressure. Because of this, we kindly ask all citizens and visitors to conserve water.
With that being said, we understand that many homes and businesses are currently without water service or are experiencing extremely low pressure. Ever since the frigid temperatures began on Sunday, our Public Works and Water Plant employees have been working tirelessly to keep our water treatment and distribution infrastructure functioning and promptly address any/all potential issues. The City of Marlin Water Treatment Plant has not experienced any operational issues during this winter weather event; it's our distribution system (e.g., piping) that has been affected. Unfortunately, nearly ninety-six (96) hours of subfreezing temperatures have taken their toll on water mains and valves. Please rest assured; your city staff is working around-the-clock to address any/all additional issues and restore your water service as soon as possible.
In addition to the tremendous efforts put forth by our awesome Public Works, Water Treatment, and Water Distribution teams, we have been providing regular updates to the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM). Contact has been maintained between our city and critical stakeholders such as local healthcare facilities. Your City of Marlin Fire Department has been assisting our Public Works staff by seeking, identifying, and reporting water leaks. Procedures are in place to ensure sufficient water supplies are available for firefighting operations; this includes the water stored on our fire trucks. Should a large fire occur, we will utilize a tanker-shuttle operation to transport water to the scene from various sources. We also have the capabilities to pull water from sources such as ponds, pools, and the lake for firefighting purposes.
Tomorrow, we will be distributing bottled water at the former Fire Station 2 located at 911 Live Oak Street. Distribution will begin at 2:00 PM and end at 4:00 PM. In order to receive water, you must provide proof that your current residence is served by the City of Marlin water system (e.g., recent water bill, state-issued ID card, or driver's license).
We apologize for the length of this update but wanted to provide our community with as much information as possible. We understand that you have questions, concerns, and frustrations and we wish to positively address each one. Your city employees and leaders will continue working to bring this situation to a quick and effective solution. We sincerely apologize for any and all inconveniences and hardships the recent water outages have caused.
The Boil Water Order will remain in effect after water pressure has been restored.
Thank You,
City of Marlin