Water issues prompt disaster declaration in Marlin

The City of Marlin has declared a state of emergency in response to a significant water shortage.

Marlin Mayor Susan Byrd in a proclamation and letter to Texas Governor Gregg Abbott said that, “The City of Marlin, Falls County, Texas, is facing significant threats to life, health and property due to extreme failures in its water distribution and infrastructure system.”

Byrd announced the following on Facebook at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10.

“Good night to you all. As you know, our city experienced a significant loss of water pressure this morning. This loss of pressure ultimately caused water outages in numerous homes and businesses serviced by our water system. Staff from the Public Works Department, Fire Department, Police Department and our City’s Water Treatment Plant immediately began to search for possible leaks throughout our water service area. As a result of their efforts, a total of six (6) water leaks were identified and repaired, ranging from 3 to 8 inches of water pipes.

At 10 a.m., representatives from the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) arrived at City Hall and met with our City Manager, Mayor, Emergency Management Coordinator, Water Plant Manager and Public Works Director. Also in attendance were Falls County Emergency Management Coordinator and Rosebud City Administrator.. During this meeting, the issue of water was discussed in great detail and response and recovery plans were drafted.

Earlier this afternoon, representatives from TEEX’s Public Works Response Team (PWRT), the Texas Environmental Quality Commission (TCEQ), and the Capital Area Trauma Advisory Council (CATRAC) arrived in Marlin to provide logistical and administrative support to our staff and the community. We are currently operating under a unified command structure with these agencies with the common goal of bringing our current water problems to a prompt conclusion.

Marlin Volunteer Fire Department and other departments in Falls and surrounding counties will be providing additional water to fight fires.

Tomorrow morning, City of Marlin Public Works crews will continue to work with members of the Public Works Response Team to identify and repair additional water leaks. It's important to mention that drones can be used to assist in identifying leaks. If you see one or more drones flying in or around our community, they're likely helping with leak detection.

We apologize for any inconvenience and/or difficulty caused by the current situation affecting the water service. We will continue to work 24 hours a day to identify and repair water leaks and restore water pressure. All citizens are encouraged to report potential water leaks to our City's Water Office by calling (254) 883-1450 (select the "Water Office" option in the voice message).

As system pressure is restored, we kindly ask everyone to practice water conservation in their homes and/or businesses. This includes refraining from washing vehicles and/or watering lawns. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.”

Due to the water issues, Marlin ISD will also remain closed on Wednesday, Dec. 11.