GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — The City of Grand Prairie on Wednesday morning remained under a "do not use water" advisory for residents who live north of Interstate 20.
As a result, Grand Prairie schools and several city facilities were closed Wednesday. The Grand Prairie Independent School District announced that classes were canceled Wednesday "due to the ongoing water issue in our city." Officials expect class to resume Thursday.
In addition to Grand Prairie ISD closing schools Wednesday, the following businesses and city facilities are closed, officials said:
- 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
Here's a map of the affected area:
Grand Prairie water advisory
The advisory, which urged residents to avoid using tap water for any reason other than flushing toilets, was issued Tuesday night after officials detected a "foaming agent" in the city's water supply.
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're investigating the issue and working to isolate the affected area.
City officials said they were giving away bottled water to residents in the front parking lot of City Hall at 300 W. Main St. on Tuesday night. The giveaway was set to resume at 8 a.m. Wednesday at Lone Star Park.
While the 'don't use water' advisory is in place, The Summit recreation center (ages 50+), The Epic, YMCA, and Tony Shotwell life center are open for shower use.
What is a foaming agent?
While Grand Prairie officials have not said what the "foaming agent" found in the water supply is, they 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.