The city of Port Arthur has issued a Boil Water Advisory for all areas within the City with the exception of Sabine Pass and Port Acres until further notice, according to a news release from the city.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) sets minimum water quality standards for public drinking water. One of these standards is loss of pressure in the distribution system.

The city of Port Arthur failed to meet the minimum pressure requirements on January 17. Specifically, the pressure in the distribution system may have fallen below 20 psi within the entire city limits of Port Arthur with the exception of the Port Acres and Sabine Pass areas.

Due to the nature and severity of this violation, the TCEQ has required the city to issue this public notice and advise customers to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, any water that residents use for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, residents may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other source. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the city will notify residents.

Loss of pressure to 20 psi or less could allow a back siphon to occur and contaminate the distribution system. The back siphon could allow organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches. These symptoms can be particularly severe in people who are not as resistant to infections as most of the population.

If you experience severe symptoms, please consult with your doctor to determine what actions you should take.

For additional information contact Port Arthur Water Utilities at (409) 983-3841.