Ennis issues boil water notice

ENNIS – The City of Ennis issued a boil water notice this past Sunday asking all residents to boil their water due to a water main break.

An 8-inch water main broke on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Highway 34. 

The water main break resulted in the city’s water system losing pressure according to a City of Ennis Facebook post.

The city’s two water towers were not able to refill with water. 

One tower was shut off to isolate the leak on I-45. 

The second tower could not be filled due to the series of additional leaks.

The post stated, “Although we had reduced water pressure throughout the city the pumps at the water treatment plant were able to maintain adequate water pressure. 

“The drop in pressure was limited to a small part of the city but still triggered a boil notice based on TCEQ requirements.”

During this time as well, a portion of the city was without water.

The Emergency Operations Center was activated to manage logistics and communication and early Sunday morning asked those with water to boil it before consumption. 

“Water used for drinking, cooking and ice-making should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil for two minutes and cooled prior to use,” the city’s Facebook post instructed.

Ennis ISD canceled classes on Monday, Dec. 2 because of the water boil notice.

Ennis’ Fire Station No. 1 also distributed free bottled water during the water main break issues.

The city indicated city crews and outside contractors were working “around the clock to repair the breaks and restore water service.”

In a situation where a boil notice is issued, after pressure is restored, a sample must be sent to the lab to confirm the safety of the water for consumption.