MARLIN, Texas — The City of Marlin has declared a state of emergency in response to a significant water shortage, prompting local authorities to take immediate action to address the crisis.
The City said in a statement the pressure loss led to "water outages being experienced by numerous homes and businesses."
The City's Public Works Department, Fire Department, Police Department and Water Treatment Plant staff reportedly searched through the water service area, identifying and repairing six leaks, ranging from three inches to eight inches, said the City.
Representatives from the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) reportedly met with City leaders the morning of Dec. 10, including Marlin's City Manager, Mayor, Emergency Management Coordinator, Water Plant Manager and Public Works Director as well as Falls County's Emergency Management Coordinator and Rosebud's City Administrator.
At the meeting, the water issue was reportedly discussed in "great detail" and plans for response and recovery were drafted, said the City of Marlin.
Representatives from TEEX's Public Works Response Team (PWRT), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Capital Area Trauma Advisory Council (CATRAC) are reportedly in Marlin to provide staff and the community with logistical and administrative support. The City said it is currently operating under a unified command structure with those agencies with the common goal of "bringing the current water issues to a prompt conclusion."
Mayor Susan Byrd has reached out to the State of Texas for funding assistance to repair critical water system leaks and restore the city's water supply. The Marlin Volunteer Fire Department is on standby, with water tankers strategically positioned in Marlin and Reagan to assist in firefighting efforts during this period.
Due to the water shortage, the available water is non-potable and is strictly reserved for emergency fire-fighting purposes. Authorities emphasize that drinking water is not being distributed at this time, but will provide updates should the situation change.
Residents are being asked to report possible water leaks to the city's water office at (254) 883-1450, and conserve water at their homes and businesses, including refraining from washing vehicles or irrigating lawns.
Due to the water issues, Marlin ISD will also remain closed on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
The full declaration can be found here.
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