AUSTIN, Texas — As the latest forecast has Arctic air arriving to Central Texas very soon, Austin Water is urging customers to take steps now.
The company says it's doing everything it can to avoid what happened during the 2021 Winter Storm, which saw thousands of Austinites go without water for several days.
"That means insulating or warming key components throughout the entire water treatment and distribution system," Jose Emperador with Austin Water said. "We also continue to test, and this is key to test and maintain our backup power generators and have contracts in place as well for additional power equipment if that need arises."
Austin Water says it's worked to improve power resiliency to all of its treatment plants, as well as fortifying its redundancy with equipment upgrades. The company also says it has kept up with preventative maintenance and upkeep continuously.
Officials say all communication will be sent out through the company's website and social media. You can also sign up for emergency alerts through Ready Central Texas' website.
Officials recommend you take several steps, like knowing where your two water valves are located in case you need to turn them off. One is Austin Water's meter valve while the other is the property owner's valve. Both are usually situated outside in front of your home.
If there's a power outage for more than 24 hours, officials say it's almost best to turn off the water at Austin Water's meter. You should also turn off outside faucets, disconnect hoses and wrap faucets while turning off and draining automatic sprinklers.
You should also open cabinets beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer air inside the home to circulate around your pipes.
If you're dripping pipes, drip the faucet farthest away from your main shut-off valve slowly.