CITY MANAGER UPDATE 2/20/2021 4:00 PM.
From La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
Our water samples are in process. Based on the information we received from the lab the tests will be done at approximately 4:30 in the morning. We have asked them to call us as soon as the results are done. It is unknown if that will be at 4:30 AM or sometime after 8:00 AM in the morning. But it should be early. That call will end in two possible scenarios:
1) we get an all clear ... if that is the result we lift the boil water notice and return to normal; or
2) we do not get an all clear ... if that happens we will re-sample tomorrow and start the testing process again.
I am still trying to find more bottled water, just in case. Everything everywhere was grabbed up, but I may have found 10 more pallets. I will continue working on that through the night. At this point we have no guaranteed additional bottled water coming.
We are still chasing busted pipes everywhere. The main thing right now is that the pipes that are leaking are not affecting pressure anywhere. As we get calls on main lines that would affect pressure, we are able to get right to those quickly now. We are going to stay on them until they are done. We should get close to finished by tomorrow night we hope.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE 2/20/2021 11:30 AM.
From La Marque City Manager Tink Jackson
It appears we are close to giving out all of the water we have. These water shipments were all provided by Galveston County. At this time, other water requests are on hold and we have no other water deliveries pending. There is no more bottled water available from any sources we have at this time. Once completed this morning, we will have distributed approximately 60,000 bottles of water (1,800 cases) in the two days.
Our drinking water samples are at the lab and will be tested today. We are unsure what time today we will receive our results. Assuming we receive a negative test (crossing our fingers) we will be about to lift the boil water notice at that time.
It appears grocery stores are being replenished today and supplies should be available through them for our citizens. Most have purchase limits but have everything back in stock.
Our crews are down to smaller projects - service lines, curb stops, etc. Water pressure is back to normal. The Bayou sewer main project will be finished today and the contractor will move on to the next collapsed sewer line.
*Photo was from last summer. Tink has been working around the clock in the Emergency Operation Center - but he still loves to fish.
WINTER STORM UPDATE 5:45 p.m. Feb 19, 2021
Water pressure was restored to most of the city today. We're addressing leaks on the city side as we find them. Power is fully restored and holding strong. If you lose power, please contact your service provider directly. Please continue to conserve water and power through the weekend. Trash service is back to normal, but recycling is on hold for now. As temperatures and water pressure rise, cracks caused by the freeze could turn into full-blown pipe ruptures. Here's the latest, La Marque.
CITY NEWS
When in doubt, check the city website. Please register for community news flash and Connect CTY alerts at
connect.cityoflamarque.org or monitor our official social media accounts for updates.
BOTTLED WATER DISTRIBUTION
Two rounds of water bottle distribution happened today in La Marque. We'll keep these going as long as the city remains under a Boil Water Notice. Our biggest challenge right now is access to bottled water. Updates will be posted as they become available.
WATER PRESSURE
Water pressure vastly improved across the city today. All major leaks have been repaired on the city side, and we're moving on to smaller lines now.
If you still have low water pressure, please check for leaks around your home or business. It's possible that you sprung a leak, and a friendly neighbor turned off the valve near your water meter. If you find a leak, call a licensed plumber as soon as possible and check the WATER LEAK RUNDOWN story on the city website for tips. If you don't have a leak and you still don't have pressure, please report to La Marque Public Works at 409-938-9280.
BOIL WATER NOTICE
The City of La Marque issued a boil water notice on February 17, 2021, and it's active until further notice. Water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to human consumption. When it's lifted, we'll send out an alert. Please visit the city website for details.
UTILITY BILLING
There was a utility bill due date on February 15. Late fees for that billing cycle will be waived until Thursday, February 25, 2021.
If you had a pipe rupture and notice an abnormally high water bill, the Utility Billing Department can help you with the Request for Adjustment process. The best way to contact them is by email at UB@cityoflamarque.org. Here's a link to the form:
http://www.cityoflamarque.org/.../Adjustment-Request-PDFFORECAST
There is a slight chance of freeze tonight and during the early-morning hours on Saturday, especially for our neighbors to the north. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel and we're looking forward to a warmer weekend. Follow US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas for reliable forecasts.
CITY OPERATIONS
City of La Marque will return to normal COIVD operations on Monday, February 22, 2021.
WINTER STORM UPDATE 7:45 p.m. Feb 18, 2021
The short answer on water pressure - we don't have a firm timeline on citywide restoration. Many citizens had an increase in pressure today, which is encouraging. Some are still at trickle status, and some still have no water. We know you're frustrated, and we're doing our best.
BOTTLED WATER ON THE WAY
There is a semi-truck load of bottled water en route to La Marque. We hope to provide three cases per household. We'll set up multiple distribution centers across town. Please register for community news flash e-notifications at
connect.cityoflamarque.org or monitor our social media for updates. In the meantime, water from your tap is safe to drink after it's boiled for two minutes.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Frankly - the freeze caused a significant number of water line breaks, and we're prioritizing repairs based on water loss. Public Works found a broken 12-inch water main today. The fix requires specialized equipment, and contractors have been on-site most of the day. We'll work through the night until it gets fixed. Once the main is repaired, contractors will stick with us and work alongside Public Works crews until pressures stabilize across town.
Our wells are online, water line repairs are ongoing and our tanks are refilling. It will take time for pressure to rebuild, but we're making progress and headed in the right direction.
BOIL WATER NOTICE
The City of La Marque issued a boil water notice on February 17, 2021, and it's active until further notice. Water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to human consumption. Read more and see the full announcement on the city website.
CONSERVE WATER & POWER
If you have water pressure, please reduce usage. Only use water if it's essential for health and safety. Refrain from running appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers.
Please keep thermostats below 68, or as low as comfortably possible. By Saturday, demand on the power grid should level out. Until then, power conservation is vital. Please do it for your fellow Texans and your neighbors in La Marque.
TRASH
Waste Management resumed trash service today. Yesterday's update incorrectly reported that recycling would be collected. There is no recycling collection at this time, just trash. Apologies for our confusion.
We are anticipating trash collection delays due to increased volume. If they don't make it to your house on your normal trash day, the route will be completed the following day. By Saturday, they should be caught up.
WATER LEAK RUNDOWN
Water leaks can cause significant damage inside your home. If the leak is outside, its reducing water pressure for your neighbors. If you spring a leak, shut off water to your home or business as soon as possible. If you cannot shut off the water supply, call La Marque Public Works at 409-938-9280 and we'll shut it off at the road. If you get voicemail, please leave a message. If the line is busy, please try again. We are asking for your continued patience and kindness.
Next step - call a licensed plumber. Check the city website for more guidance.
FORECAST
We're in store for another round of freezing temperatures tonight into Friday morning. We're looking forward to a warming trend and sunshine into the weekend. As pipes begin to thaw, expect more leaks. Follow US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas for reliable forecasts.
CITY OPERATIONS
City of La Marque non-emergency offices will remain closed Friday, February 19, 2021, and return to normal COIVD operations on Monday, February 22, 2021.
There was a utility bill due date on February 15. Late fees for that billing cycle will be waived until Thursday, February 25, 2021.
POWER
As of this evening, 99 percent of La Marque has power. If you're still in the dark, contact your service provider directly because there's a problem at your address.
HERE IF YOU NEED US
The EOC is still active with City Administration and Emergency Management personnel working around the clock. Reach out to us on social media. Contact your Councilperson with questions. We're all here for you. Together, we'll make it through the great freeze of 2021!
Update 7:45 p.m. Feb 17, 2021
Whew! Today was wild, La Marque. Cities across Texas faced water pressure issues and boil water notices. Warming daytime temperatures thawed water lines, causing leaks all over town. We still don't have firm estimates for when power will be restored, but it's not all bad news. Today we saw our community pull together. La Marque's neighborly love inspired us. Our elected officials stepped up, City Administration came through and Emergency Management held strong. Thankfully, some of our citizens had the power come back on. Please check out our evening update.
TRASH
Waste Management will resume trash and recycling service Thursday, February 18, 2021. Pickup will be on your next normal service day. We are anticipating delays due to increased volume. If they don't make it to your house, the route will be completed the following day. By Saturday, we should be completely caught up.
POWER
Our outlook is improving across the city. Several neighborhoods got power back around 5:00 p.m. this evening, and power is back on at the Central Fire Station. Today County Judge Mark Henry mentioned outages could extend through Saturday. We don't have solid updates from state officials. We remain hopeful.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Wastewater Treatment Plant lost power yesterday. Public Works was able to secure a generator, and the plant is fully operational again as of 5:00 p.m. this evening. Crews will work on getting lift stations online through the night. This is GREAT NEWS, La Marque. This means your raw sewage will get where it needs to go with no interruption in service.
WATER PRESSURE
We are aware that water pressure is low across the city. Two of three wells are currently in service, which will help stabilize pressure for the people of La Marque. The third well is expected to come online tonight. While we're on well water, water could look and smell different than normal. This is temporary until we can get all the water lines breaks across town repaired.
BROKEN WATER LINES
Moving forward, please direct all calls for utility emergencies, broken water lines and questions about the boil water notice to La Marque Public Works at 409-938-9280.
If you get voicemail, please leave a message. If the line is busy, please try again. We are asking for patience and kindness. Unfortunately, we are facing an uphill battle over the next few days. As water lines thaw, we expect more ruptures.
BOIL WATER NOTICE
The City of La Marque issued a boil water notice on February 17, 2021. Water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to human consumption. We realize many citizens have no power. Use bottled water if you are not able to boil.
CONSERVE
Please reduce water usage and conserve. Only use water if it's essential for health and safety. Do not drip faucets unless temps drip below freezing. If you have a leak, shut off water to your home as soon as possible. If you are not able to make the repairs, call a licensed plumber. If you have a leak and are unable to shut off the water supply, call La Marque Public Works at 409-938-9280.
FORECAST
Today brought dreary rain, but we stayed above freezing. Tomorrow skies will be cloudy and we will likely dip back down below freezing. Please continue to protect the 4Ps - People, Pipes, Pets and Plants.
Friday, the skies start to clear. We have a strong possibility for freeze during the early morning hours Friday and then a warmup through the weekend. As pipes begin to thaw Friday and Saturday, expect more leaks. Follow
US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas
for reliable updates.
WARMING STATION
The warming center is still open at Blocker Middle School Gym. It will remain open until 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2021.
CITY OPERATIONS
City of La Marque non-emergency offices will remain closed Thursday, February 18, 2021. There is still no power at City Hall, so we'd have to run off generators with spotty internet. Late fee and bill payment updates will be posted ASAP.
HERE IF YOU NEED US
To report utility emergencies, such as a broken water main, call La Marque Public Works at 409-932-9280. Reach out to us on social media. Contact your Councilperson with questions. We're all here for you.
Update 6:15 p.m. Feb 17, 2021
Waste Management will resume trash service Thursday, February 18, 2021. Pickup will be on your normal service day.
We are anticipating delays due to increased volume. Areas we are unable to complete will be completed the following day. By Saturday, we should be completely caught up.
Update 6:30 p.m. Feb 16, 2021
We are in this together, La Marque. Please be patient and know City Administration, Public Works and Emergency Management personnel are working as fast as possible to maintain and restore city services. We're asking for your help. Check on your neighbors and help those in need as we brace for another round of winter weather. See below for our evening update.
POWER
The ongoing power outage seems to be getting worse for La Marque. Today, power was cut to several subdivisions, as well as vital city infrastructure. Public Works is searching for a generator strong enough to keep the city sewer fully operational. City Administration is in constant contact with power companies, demanding better for our community. Unfortunately, we have no timelines for power restoration at the time of this post.
WATER PRESSURE & BROKEN LINES
As temperatures rise above freezing, thawing water lines tend to rupture. If this happens at your home, find the water supply valve and shut it off until you can make the necessary repairs. If you have a leak and cannot shut off the water supply, call LMPD Dispatch at 409-938-9269, option 4. A Public Works crew will come shut off the main water supply from the street as soon as possible.
If you have no water, your service line is likely frozen. If you have low water pressure, there's probably a water leak near your home. Please be patient. We expect hundreds of residential water line breaks over the next two days.
City crews are working as fast as they can to maintain service. The City's water systems are functioning, and we're addressing infrastructure issues as quickly as possible.
FORECAST
Expect near-freezing temps again tonight. Thunderstorms and cold rain are expected to arrive during the early morning hours tomorrow, Wednesday, February 17, 2021, and continue throughout the day.
Temperatures should creep up to the 40s in our region, which could cause more water lines to rupture. Freezing rain is expected north of Houston, which could negatively impact the ongoing power outage.
Thursday brings windy conditions and a forecast low in the 20s. Icing is possible, and the threat to pipes and infrastructure continues.
Friday brings sunshine, and Saturday should be in the high 50s.
TRASH COLLECTION
Waste Management canceled the trash service for Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Weather permitting, customers will receive garbage collection on their next service day.
CITY OPERATIONS
In an effort to reduce power consumption, City of La Marque non-emergency offices will remain closed Wednesday, February 17, 2021. The loss of power has knocked out internet and systems required to take utility bill payments. Late fees will be waived until citizens can safely access City Hall.
WARMING STATION
City Administration worked with TCISD to extend the warming center at Blocker Middle School Gym until noon on Wednesday. La Marque citizens are welcome to stop by, warm up and charge devices. This center is not a shelter, and it will not have amenities like food or beds.
TRAVEL
Most roads are safe and passable in La Marque. Please use caution when traveling over bridges and overpasses until the threat of freezing temperatures has passed.
HERE IF YOU NEED US
For emergencies, dial 911. To report utility emergencies, such as a broken water main, call LMPD Dispatch at 409-938-9269, option 4.
Water Pressure and Broken Water Pipes Update 3:45 a.m. Feb 16, 2021
The City is receiving hundreds of phone calls related to water pressure and water line breaks.