Lufkin Gets One Step Closer to Lifting Boil Water Notice
More great progress is being reported by the City of Lufkin in their quest to get their water supply and water safety back to normal.
Eight of the city's nine wells are pumping at maximum capacity and pressure has returned across the city. The ninth well is still out of service due to a mechanical issue. Water outages do remain but they are due to private leaks/breaks that have been turned off until repaired.
The city's elevated tanks all reached at least 50 percent capacity and Woodlawn, Angelina Fresh Water, and Redland were told yesterday evening that water was available and they could begin pulling it from Lufkin. Diboll was also told yesterday evening that they could supplement their supply from Lufkin water if necessary.
The reporting of leaks has slowed to the point that the call center has been closed. Those with leaks who cannot turn the water off themselves are asked to call the city's non-emergency number at 936-633-0356. Water conservation is still being requested of all residents.
A boil water notice remains in effect, however, the City of Lufkin is expected to begin the chlorination process today (Sunday). Once officials go through this process, they have to go around and see if the chlorine is adequate. If so, water samples are taken. Those water samples may be collected as early as late today, but the results would not be available until Monday. If the samples are negative for contaminants, the City of Lufkin will soon be able to rescind the Boil Water Notice.
Oncor and its contractors are still in the area working to restore power to everyone.