Do Not Use Water Order Largely Lifted; Meeting Tonight

JACKSONVILLE — State environmental officials are reporting significant progress in resolving a water issue southeast of Jacksonville. According to a news release, a do not use order has been lifted for most residents served by the Craft-Turney Water Supply Corporation based on sample results received Friday. But the officials note that 11 connections are still under the order. Those are the connections directly affected by a backflow incident that initially prompted the do not use order on October 3. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality suspects a fungicide entered the water supply. The water utility has indicated that the 11 connections have been isolated from the distribution system. The do not use order was initially issued to customers served by the 11 connections but was expanded to the general vicinity of those connections as a precaution.

On Oct. 11, the TCEQ collected additional samples from the 11 connections, where results from samples collected Oct. 7 indicated that a chemical associated with the fungicide was still present. The Oct. 11 samples are currently being analyzed, according to TCEQ officials. They say once those results are received, a determination can be made as to whether the do not use order can be lifted for this limited area of the system. The TCEQ continues to investigate this incident. According to our news partner KETK, a public meeting to discuss the situation is set for 6:00 p.m. Monday at Jacksonville’s Norman Activity Center.

Emergency supply for affected residents:

The TCEQ has delivered a total of 58 pallets of bottled water to the utility for use by customers affected by the order. The water is available at the Craft-Turney office on Loop 456 in Jacksonville. The contractor hired by the TCEQ has begun demobilizing the trailer with 16 shower stalls at Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville. However, the First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville will continue to make its facilities available for bathing and washing dishes between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.

For residents’ health-related questions:

The TCEQ has also coordinated with the Texas Department of State Health Services, which is available to take calls regarding health concerns. Affeccted residents can call DSHS, Dr. Heidi Bojes, Phd., at 512-776-6351, during regular business hours Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; local Cherokee County Health Department, Grace Mikhail, at 903-721-4402; or the Texas Poison Center Network 24 hours per day at 1-800-222-1222. Residents may also contact TCEQ’s Tyler office at 903-535-5100 if they have any questions related to this incident.