The city of Bellaire issued a boil water notice late Feb. 16 after one of its water wells went down due to cold temperatures, with another now at reduced capacity.
“Bellaire relies on surface water from the City of Houston for half of Bellaire’s water supply, but the extreme freezing weather has prevented that service,” the city wrote on its website. “The combined effect has been a sudden drop in system water pressures below recommended levels, and low enough to trigger a boil water notice until further notice.”
That means water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. Or, in lieu of boiling water, residents can use bottled water or obtain another suitable drinking water source.
West University Place, meanwhile, has not issued a boil water notice, though it is operating on 100% well water capacity after water was cut from the city of Houston — representing approximately 50%-60% of West U’s total water supply.
“West U strongly encourages residents to conserve water usage to only what is absolutely necessary for health and safety,” the city posted on social media Feb. 17. “If water usage is not reduced, West U may have to issue a Boil Water Notice in the near future to ensure the safety of all residents.”
The city of Bellaire closed its facilities Feb. 17, along with no trash or recycling collection. The city of West University Place also closed its facilities Feb. 17. Trash, recycling and yard waste will resume normal collection Feb. 18, and parks and senior services programming is canceled for Feb. 17.
West U continues to leave its recreation center at 4210 Bellaire Blvd. open for residents until power is restored or temperatures rise to acceptable levels. Residents should contact staff at 713-662-7420 to check space availability.
