GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — After a two-day 'do not use water' water advisory, the City of Grand Prairie says the water is safe to use again.
During a Thursday night news conference, Mayor Ron Jensen confirmed that all water test results from the Texas Department of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) have come back clear. The results came from a testing facility in Corpus Christi.
"It's over. We got a clean bill of health about an hour ago from the TCEQ," Jensen said. "I'm elated. It took a lot of work and a lot of flushing the water tower."
On Tuesday, the city told residents not to drink the water even if they boiled it first, and not to shower in it because of the failure of the backflow valve.
Now that the water is safe for consumption, the city issued steps on how to flush your water system from home.
Residents must open all water fixtures including sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Let the hot water run for 15 minutes and then let the cold water run for 5 minutes. If you notice anything unusual in the water, the city said repeat the first two steps.
To avoid "boil water notice" which could impact the city's water pressure the water-flushing process will be rolled out in three phases.
Residents in Zone 1, which is north of I-30, can start flushing their systems now.
Residents in Zone 2, which is between I-30 and Pioneer Parkway, can start flushing their systems at 10 p.m.
Residents in Zone 3, which is south of Pioneer Parkway and north of I-20, can start flushing their systems at 11 p.m.
It's also recommended to flush appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators with water dispensers, humidifiers and ice makers.
The city said if residents missed their scheduled time, they could begin flushing as soon as possible afterward.
Restaurant owners will have to follow a different process that is posted on the city's website here.
Grand Prairie ISD announced that it will remain closed on Friday. To-go lunches will still be given out on Friday. Classes are expected to resume on Monday.
Jensen said bottled water distribution at Lone Star Park on Friday will stay running until Noon.
Watch the full Thursday press conference with Grand Prairie officials here:
Crews were fighting the fire in an industrial district in the 900 block of Avenue S around 1 p.m. Tuesday and got a call about foam in water in the area about four hours later, officials said. A 'do not use water' advisory was issued for an estimated 60,000 residents north of I-20, meaning that residents in the affected area should have zero contact with tap water. He estimated the city has about 200,000 residents.
Grand Prairie Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Baldwin said firefighters used the foam, which is normally used for residential fires, to fight the fire because of the conditions of the facility. Baldwin said the building was occupied at the time of the fire, but no injuries were reported and the fire is still under investigation.
Grand Prairie Emergency Management Coordinator Chase Wheeler said the city sent out a notification about the advisory Tuesday evening through the AlertGP emergency notification system to those who subscribed to the system and residents and businesses the city has water data for.
Jensen said the city switched to a new foam about a year and a half ago, which he described as nontoxic and biodegradable. He said he's not aware of the city receiving any calls of anyone getting sick as a result of the water.
Foaming agents can create a bitter, oily and fishy taste in water, and the water could also appear cloudy, according to KnowYourH2O water research. In high dosages, foaming agents can cause gastrointestinal problems.
According to the CDC, a "do not use water advisory" is issued when local health authorities believe that a community's water supply has been contaminated with harmful chemicals, toxins, germs, or radioactive materials.
Under this advisory, any contact, even with the skin, lungs or eyes can be dangerous.
The city said they were still investigating the issue and working to isolate the affected area.
City officials were giving away bottled water Wednesday at Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway.
A list of additional bottled water distribution stations will be posted on the city's website.
The city urges residents who may have questions regarding this matter, to call 972-237-8400.
Here's a map of the affected area:
What is a foaming agent?
Foaming agents generally cause water to create a foam when it mixes with air, according to KnowYourH2O water research.
Foaming agents can create a bitter, oily and fishy taste in water, and the water could also appear cloudy. In high dosages, foaming agents can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Grand Prairie water advisory closures
Grand Prairie ISD schools will be closed on Friday.
The following businesses and city facilities were closed during the water advisory, but it is unclear whether they will reopen:
- All restaurants/food service facilities (Food service facilities are required by law to operate only when potable water is available)
- Kirby Creek Natatorium
- Prairie Lakes Golf Course (including Crown’s)
- Ruthe Jackson Center
- Dalworth Recreation Center
- Charley Taylor Recreation Center
- Veterans Event Center
- Park restrooms and water fountains in the affected area