KEMPNER, Texas — The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has issued a boil water notice for the Kempner Water Supply Corporation.
The notice was put out on Wednesday, June 25, and was issued due to reduced distribution system pressure and low disinfection residuals, advises all residents to boil their water prior to consumption.
This precaution includes activities such as drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and washing hands or face. Officials emphasize that vulnerable residents such as children, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk from harmful bacteria that may be present in untreated water.
In a statement to 6 News, Kempner Mayor John Wilkerson said the city does not have "any ownership, stake or direct influence over the operational decisions" made by the Kempner Water Supply Corporation. Mayor Wilkerson also noted that they operate independently from municipal governance.
"I encourage residents to direct any specific concerns or inquiries about water services directly to KWSC," Wilkerson said to 6 News. "As a customer of KWSC, I share some of the same concerns and frustrations as many of my neighbors."
The Kempner Mayor also said he does not intend to take the water supply corporation over, and the only avenue the city would have to do something of that sort would be to "negotiate a buy out of the KWSC, if even possible."
Wilkerson went on to say that both purchasing and repairing the infrastructure causing the issues would be a very expensive undergoing, which would also lead to "astronomically high water usage rates" for customers that are in other counties and "an extremely high tax rate for the property owners inside the City limits."
"As your elected Mayor--I have no interest in taking on a task that will do nothing to improve the situation."
For effective disinfection, the recommended boiling procedure involves bringing water to a boil for at least two minutes, then allowing it to cool before use. Alternatively, residents may choose to use bottled water or find another source for drinking water needs.
Public water system officials will notify customers when it is no longer necessary to boil the water.
For further information regarding the boil water notice, residents can contact the Kempner Water Supply Corporation at 512-932-3701 or 254-547-9430, or email info@kempnerwsc.com.