John Marez, General Manager of the South Texas Water Authority, confirmed that water has been restored, bringing relief to residents in western Nueces County. After several days without water, residents in Agua Dulce, Robstown, and Banquete are finally able to access water again. However, a boil water advisory remains in effect.
Tank Collapse Leaves Communities Without Water
A significant water disruption occurred on Thursday when a 63,000-gallon water storage tank collapsed along FM 2826 and County Road 79. This unexpected incident left residents in Agua Dulce and the surrounding neighborhoods south of Robstown without water. Additionally, parts of Banquete were also impacted by the sudden loss of water supply. The collapse of this massive tank caused a significant strain on the area’s water infrastructure, leaving officials scrambling to find a quick solution.
Quick Action Restores Water Supply
Fortunately, a bypass system has been installed at the damaged pump station, allowing water to flow back into the community’s distribution lines. According to Marez, a nearby transmission line was crucial in getting the water system back up and running. This temporary fix was instrumental in restoring water to the affected areas, ensuring residents could finally turn on their taps after days of dryness. However, despite the restored water flow, the authority has issued a boil water notice for anyone using the affected water lines. Residents are urged to boil their water for safety purposes until further notice.
Tank Removal and Future Replacement
In the meantime, a demolition company has removed the collapsed water tank. A replacement tank will eventually be installed, though no specific timeline has been provided. The water authority has assured the public that a new tank will be built to prevent future issues like this from occurring again.
The Cause of the Collapse is Still Unclear
As of now, the cause of the tank’s collapse remains a mystery. South Texas Water Authority officials confirmed that routine inspections had been carried out on the equipment, and everything appeared to be in good condition before the incident. Despite these regular check-ups, the collapse took everyone by surprise. Investigations will continue to determine the underlying cause of the structural failure.
The water authority is committed to maintaining the safety and reliability of its water system. It will be conducting a thorough review of the incident to prevent similar situations in the future.
Stay Safe and Informed
Water has been restored in Nueces County, but residents must stay informed about updates on the boil water notice and future repairs. The South Texas Water Authority will provide ongoing updates as the situation evolves, and officials encourage residents to monitor their water quality closely.