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.
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 necessary repairs. Supply valves are commonly located on the right side of your home on the same side as your water meter. Look inside or near the garage and near an exterior spigot.
If you have a leak and are unable to 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 they are able.
If you have no water, your service line is likely frozen. The City's water systems are functioning and we're addressing infrastructure issues on the city side as quickly as possible.
Please be patient. We expect hundreds of residential water line breaks over the next two days. City crews and emergency management personnel are working as fast as they can to restore and maintain city services.
Update 10:00 a.m. Feb 16, 2021
City of La Marque non-emergency offices will remain closed today, Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
As of 10:00 a.m., the City of La Marque's water delivery system is fully functional. If you have low or no water pressure, your pipes are likely frozen.
Another winter storm is coming our way, which is expected to bring thunderstorms and rain on Wednesday. Another dip below freezing is possible Thursday, which could cause icing. Stay weather aware, La Marque. Warmer temperatures are expected Friday through the weekend.
Power companies are working hard to restore service to customers across the state. For La Marque, we expect restoration of about 10 percent of customers. We will post updates as they become available.
We will send another update this evening, including expectations for trash service.
Update 7:10 p.m. Feb 15, 2021
Citizens are reporting low water pressure. This is not unique to La Marque. Freezing temperatures and power outages are impacting municipalities across the state. Public Works is working around the clock. We're fighting to keep the water flowing, La Marque. Please be patient with us. We understand your frustration and we're on it.
Update 6:30 p.m. Feb 15, 2021
A warming station was to be open at La Marque High School Gym at 6:30 p.m. Unfortunately, power went down at the gym around 6:20 p.m. We are working on Plan B. In the meantime, please warm up in your vehicles if possible.
Update 4:00 p.m. Feb 15, 2021
Prepare for icing overnight and a dip in temperatures that will set record lows for our area. Please stay off the roads. City non-emergency offices will have a two-hour delay for opening, Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Trash collection is canceled for Tuesday and La Marque Emergency Operations is preparing for another round of storms Wednesday. Concerns for bursting pipes and damage to infrastructure continue as we brace for freezing weather through Thursday night.
FORECAST
Temperatures have hovered in the 20s today and will drop down to the teens overnight. Wind chill takes temps down near zero. Any melting that occurs today will turn into ice overnight. The risk of pipes bursting and damage to infrastructure continues.
Another winter storm is coming our way, which is expected to bring thunderstorms and rain to our region Wednesday. We could see warmer temps Wednesday and then dip back down below freezing on Thursday, which could cause icing. Stay weather aware, La Marque.
Warmer weather is expected Friday through the weekend.
TRASH COLLECTION
Waste Management canceled trash service for Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Weather permitting, customers will receive garbage collection on their next service day.
STAY HOME
Roads are extremely hazardous. Citizens are urged to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. Conditions are favorable for black ice, and many traffic lights are without power.
POWER
Last night, 2.8 million customers were without power across the state. Texas is under an Energy Emergency Alert, declared by the Electric Reliability Council. Unfortunately, City officials don't have definite timelines for when customers can expect power to be restored but we're hoping for early Tuesday. We are in constant communication with the power companies, and they are doing everything they can to restore service. Additional outages are expected tonight.
PIPES
Citizens are reporting low or no water pressure. We have backup generators operating at our facilities, and the equipment is fully functional at this time. If you have no or slow water pressure, your pipes are likely frozen. It will be difficult to thaw water lines until temps come above freezing but some citizens have reported success using blow dryers to heat pipes.
Even if water lines are frozen, leave the faucet open to a slow drip so water can flow when temps rise above freezing. This could help prevent pipes from bursting.
CITY OPERATIONS
City of La Marque non-emergency offices will have a two-hour delayed start on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Late fees for utility bills will be waived until citizens can safely access City Hall. Visit
UB.cityoflamarque.org for online payment options.
WARMING STATION
A warming station will be open at La Marque High School Gym from 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 15 to noon on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Please use extreme caution if you decide to travel to the warming station. If the gym loses power, facilities will close. No bedding will be provided as this is not intended to be an overnight shelter. Citizens are invited to come in and warm up if needed.
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.
EMAIL YOUR PHOTOS
We want to see your winter wonderland photos, La Marque. Email snow and ice pics to cmartin@cityoflamarque.org or text 409-795-0165 if you want to be included in a photo album on our page later this week.
Update 8:00 AM Feb 15, 2021
The City of La Marque is in contact with local electrical companies. Power will be restored as soon as possible. Travel is extremely dangerous. Stay home. City non-emergency offices are closed today, Monday, February 15, 2021.
Texas is under an Energy Emergency Alert, declared by the Electric Reliability Council. Rolling power outages are ongoing to reduce demand on the electric system. The goal is temporary outages lasting 15 minutes at a time, but some customers in our area have been without power since about 2:00 a.m. Grid operators and electric companies are fighting to restore power at this time.
STAY HOME
Roads are extremely hazardous. Citizens are urged to stay home. Roads and overpasses are covered ice, and many traffic lights are without power.
CITY OPERATIONS
City of La Marque non-emergency offices are closed today, Monday, February 15, 2021. Today is a due date for utility bills. Late fees will be waived until the storm passes.
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. Stay safe, La Marque.
EMAIL YOUR PHOTOS
We want to see your winter wonderland photos, La Marque. Email snow and ice pics to cmartin@cityoflamarque.org or text 409-795-0165 if you want to be included in a photo album on our Facebook page later this week.
Original Post
FEBRUARY 2021 WINTER STORM UPDATE
The State of Texas is under a winter storm warning, wind chill warning and freeze warning. Please take precautions to keep your family safe and warm. Stay off the roads if possible, especially Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. Remember the 4 Ps - people, pets, pipes and plants. Cold temps and dangerous conditions are forecast through Thursday, February 18, 2021.