City officials in Grand Prairie are unsure about when tap water can be used again following potential contamination from firefighting foam in a recent industrial fire.
As of Thursday morning, the city of Grand Prairie remains under a no-use water restriction for residents north of I-20.
Water distribution is ongoing at Lone Star Park, and shower and water fountain access is available at several city facilities including The Epic, Tony Shotwell Rec Center, the Grand Prairie YMCA, and the Summit.
"We understand that the last few days have been really difficult for Grand Prairie families. We get that, we understand that, but thankfully we have not received a single report of a serious medical issue related to that part of town, related to this water situation," said Eric Alvarez, a communications manager for the City of Grand Prairie.
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The city has completed flushing the system, which was done immediately when the issue began on Tuesday. The latest sample from that now flushed water is being tested.
In fact, the city’s aviation director is en route with the water samples by plane to get them to a testing lab hours away.
"Just to show you how above and beyond we're trying to go to get this situation resolved, he's actually taking water samples and flying them to a lab in Corpus Christi to hopefully get us the results even faster, but we do expect some results by late this afternoon," said Alvarez.
Alvarez added they will need to wait on the specifics of those results before giving the green light to use tap water again.
"That's the idea, but we have to wait to see what exactly it is. And all that is very technical because it could be an all-clear. It could be inconclusive. It could be somewhere in between. So we're just going to have to wait and see," he said. The safety of our residents is our top priority, and we sincerely appreciate your patience as we continue to collaborate with the TCEQ to restore the water supply."
On Tuesday, the City of Grand Prairie announced that a "foaming agent" was detected in the water north of I-20. As a result, a 'Do Not Use Water' Advisory was issued for tens of thousands of residents and many businesses.
In a briefing on Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Ron Jensen stated that the firefighting foam flowed into the water system after crews battled a fire at a Great Southwest Industrial District warehouse around 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
The mayor reassured the public that no threat or act of terrorism was involved and reiterated that the backflow incident involved non-PFAS foam that he called "environmentally friendly."
While the contaminated water isn't toxic or deadly, the city still wants people to use abundant caution.
"We're just being extremely cautious, and so is TECQ," said Mayor Jensen. "The safety of your water supply systems is very important. We haven't gotten any calls about anybody getting sick."
Mayor Jensen estimated the water issues impact some 60,000 people and added that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will advise if a boil order is necessary and when the water is safe for consumption after the system has been flushed.
“It’s on its way down to Houston right now," Jensen said about water samples. "It’s a big dilemma. TECQ needs to stand up and find more agencies closer to do the appropriate testing. We are a little upset about that and have already told them that.”
COMMUNITY REACTS TO 'DO NOT USE WATER' NOTICE ISSUED IN GRAND PRAIRIE
The 'Do Not Use Water Advisory' continues for customers living north of I-20 in Grand Prairie in the area shaded in pink in the map below. Impacted residents and their pets should avoid consuming tap water, and only consider flushing until further notice.
The Grand Prairie Independent School District said on social media that it had contacted the city's emergency management team and was closed Wednesday out of caution. All morning extracurricular activities were also canceled.
After waiting for information from the TECQ and Mayor Jenson, the school district announced late Wednesday evening that its schools would also be closed on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Grab-and-go lunch for GPISD students will be available from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the following schools:
- Ochoa STEM Academy at Ben Milam Elementary - 2030 Proctor Drive
- Global Leadership Academy at Barbara Bush Elementary - 511 E. Springdale Lane
- Florence Hill Elementary - 4213 Robinson Road
- Travis World Language Academy - 525 N. E. 15th Street
- Rayburn Elementary STEAM Academy - 2800 Reforma Drive
- Bowie Fine Arts Academy - 425 Alice Drive
- Daniels Academy of Science and Math - 801 M L King Jr. Blvd.
- Jackson Middle School - 350 Corn Valley Road
Grand Prairie ISD stated that it informed Dallas College that transportation would not be provided on Thursday for students in the Early College program.
Uplift Grand Preparatory, which is not a part of GPISD, also announced Wednesday night that the campus would be closed on Thursday due to ongoing water restrictions.
The uncertainty left businesses like Don Juan's Mexican restaurant and residents in limbo.
“Tomorrow is our Thursday taco special," said Don Juan's owner, John Parker. "Five tacos for $4.97, and that’s our busiest day. So, it will really hurt us if we are not open tomorrow.”
NBC 5 also spoke to affected resident Leon Dudley, who said although the water is flowing at his home, he cannot use it.
“I love to cook," said Dudley. "I actually put beans aside before you came in. I had planned on making beans today, so that is a no-go.”
The resident further added that going without water is not something he ever expected.
“First of all, it makes you reflect on how important it is," said Dudley. The availability that we have of it. I’ll probably go to one of my sister's homes who lives in DeSoto or Dallas to bath, shave, and do those essentials.”
GRAND PRAIRIE BOTTLED WATER DISTRIBUTION
Bottled water is available at Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway in Grand Prairie.
The mayor said Wednesday afternoon that a large amount of water from various businesses has been donated to the city and will be available at Lone Star Park all night.
Other bottled water distribution stations will be established at specific locations throughout the city. Customers can dial 972-237-8400 if they have any further questions.
The City of Irving confirmed Tuesday night that its water supply is safe to drink and use and is not impacted by Grand Prairie's advisory.
