Update from Mayor about Marlin water (12:04 Feb. 16)

UPDATE from Mayor Lofton:

The Marlin Water Plant continues to function and produce water. Some people are getting water while others are not. The issue is that the temperature is so cold that the water that they are trying to filter is thicker making it more difficult to filter. This is causing what is filtered to be minimal. Once temperatures rise more, they will be able to produce more water. They are pushing water into town at a tiny amount. If you are blessed to have water today, please conserve what you have so that the other towers can get water to feed the rest of the town. I am asking you to continue to have patience and understanding as the infrastructure in Texas is not built for this type of weather. Many communities are experiencing what we are experiencing here with the water and electricity. We are having to run heaters at the water plant to keep the water flowing. Please pray that we do not lose electricity again. As always, I thank you all for your patience, understanding, and support as we get through yet another crisis together. Water personnel have been working around the clock with little sleep and little food in order to get where we are. A huge thank you is due to these individuals for their dedication and commitment to the citizens here as they brave the cold and frostbite to make sure Marlinites have this needed resource.

I spoke with TXDOT and they were able to clear the downtown area of town for some ease of travel. The City of Marlin does not own the necessary equipment that would be effective in this weather. Per Chad, their equipment is receiving significant damage trying to clear the ice and snow from the roads with constant repairs having to be made throughout the day. Inner streets remain impassable. Please be careful as you attempt travel.

HEB is opening today but has limited supplies due their freezers and refrigerators being out. They are trying to get some supplies in and hope to get a truck in but the road conditions are treacherous throughout Texas. Please have patience with them as they work to try to get supplies in. Again, this weather is unprecedented for us and there is no way any of us could have prepared for what we are experiencing.

I spoke with the ONCOR District Manager and they have received confirmation that some power will be restored throughout Texas in 2 small increments. He does not know which areas this will be. The "feeder for electrical power is at the direction of ERCOT who reports to the utility commission. The Governor is the last stop regarding when certain areas will be restored." I have sent an email to TDEM (Texas Department of Emergency Management) emphasizing the need to get power to the citizens of South Marlin who have been without since Sunday.

I encourage patience and calm as we are working to get resources into our community during yet another unprecedented crisis. We are expecting another round of snow and ice tomorrow which will compound or worsen our current situation. Please know and understand that we are working as hard as we can for Marlin citizens. When I know more, I will provide additional updates. Thank you all again. Stay safe and warm as best you can. Thinking and praying for the Marlin community, Texas, and our nation during this time.

Hon. Mayor Carolyn Lofton

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553