Emergency Declared in Midland After Water System Failure

MIDLAND – Midland County and the City of Midland have issued Emergency Declarations Thursday after a contractor hit a main water line causing a major loss of pressure and possible contamination.  

A Boil Water Notice has also been issued for all of the City of Midland. 

This notice is being issued until the city is able to treat the water to standard specifications.

Any water being used for drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing food and baby formula, making ice or giving to pets should be boiled rigorously for at least two minutes then cooled.

This includes filtered and RO water.

Boil water notices are usually kept in place for 24 hours at minimum to allow for samples to be tested for contaminants. 

Since the notice was issued because the city says it's plant is unable to "treat water to standard specification", that could mean it will take longer to rescind the notice.

Midland ISD officials said schools will be closed to students Friday due to the boil water notice. Employees should check their email for instructions on reporting for work.

Four water distribution sites are being set up, according to Mayor Patrick Payton.

According to sources, a contractor working on the D.R. Horton subdivision hit a line on Monday. 

This caused the city to lose millions of gallons of water.

This started a domino effect, which caused a mechanical operator issue Wednesday night at the plant which failed to keep the water up to the standard.

According to Whitney Craig, the Health Services Manager for Midland, all restaurants will need to boil water, and they cannot use any fountain water or ice machines.

Officials are expected to provide an update late Thursday evening.