Editor's note: This story was updated to correct the date of the water main break, as well as its location.

City officials are asking Round Rock residents west of I-35 to curtail water use through July 18 due to a major water main break near Texas Crushed Stone on RM 1431.

What happened: A 36-inch water main located on the south side of RM 1431 less than a mile from I-35 suffered a major break July 13, when third-party contractors began working to isolate the break ahead of repairs, city staff said. While crews work to repair the line, the city will use the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority water treatment plant in Cedar Park. The plant can sustain a demand of up to 12 million gallons per day, or MGD, while typical demand for the effected area is 10-11 MGD.

Some nearby municipal utility districts that purchase water from the city will also be impacted by the main break, and are also asked to conserve water:
  • Fern Bluff
  • Tonkawa Springs
  • Vista Oaks
  • Walsh Ranch
What's next: Residents are asked to voluntarily limit their water usage to allow for repairs that are expected to take until July 18. City staff recommended that resident stop lawn watering or hand watering if they choose to conserve. City facilities located west of I-35 will also forego irrigation at this time, staff said.

Number to know: City data shows about 11,000 residents live in the effected area.


What they're saying: “Our diverse array of water sources is what is allowing us to continue to provide services to residents throughout this major repair, without having to issue a boil water notice or other drastic measures,” said Michael Thane, Round Rock's director of utilities and environmental services. “With the levels of outdoor watering we are seeing this summer, we need customers in this area to momentarily curb water usage where they can in the coming days to give us a little more breathing room. It’s incredibly important that we maintain pressure in our system throughout the repair process.”