A water main break in West Texas could leave the 165,000 residents in and around Odessa with little or no water for 48 hours, officials said Tuesday, just as a heat wave grips the city.
There’s an “imminent threat” of “severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property” looming in the famed oil boom town because of a “main water line failure,” according to a declaration of disaster from the Ector County Office of Emergency Management.
“The loss of potable water is expected to be forty-eight hours at this time,” the declaration said. The water main break couldn’t have come at worse time for Odessa as residents face an early summer heat wave, with a high temperature of 100 degrees Tuesday and forecasts for 98 Wednesday and 96 Thursday. Crews are working to repair the break underneath the intersection of 42nd and San Jacinto streets, according to a city statement.
Despite best efforts of workers, the city said repairs are “taking longer than anticipated.” “Water levels have reached a point that a Boil Water Notice has been issued,” the city added.
“Citizens should expect a significant loss in water pressure and/or no water at all. A significant portion of the community remains without water at this time.” Those caring for children, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems must take particular note of the boil water order, the city said.
