CLUTE, Texas, Aug. 27, 2026 – Water treatment issues resulting from unprecedented flooding have forced the issuance of boil-water notices across the state for most of the summer of 2026. As more Texas residents rely on cell phones to remain informed, water treatment issues during the historic flooding have moved to the top of many social media feeds. During the July 15 historically significant flooding in the Hill Country, silt, ash, and debris from the Guadalupe River flowed into lakes, reservoirs (treatment plants), and overloaded water systems in the neighboring counties of Blanco and Comal. Residents of the affected areas were left wondering if it was safe to use tap water or if they should use alternate sources. Another concern was if they would have to live under the frequent advisories. Treatment systems, like Water of Texas, serving the greater Houston and Brazoria region have recognized the need to improve treatment infrastructure to answer the growing and urgent demand for water where it is safe to use.

The Texas spokesperson explained that a boiling water order is not something to worry about or be formal about. It is something that requires a simple action. It also explained that the boiling water order is a cause for concern because most people do not know what is safe and what is not safe to drink. It is this information gap that creates risk.

Why Flooding Causes So Many Advisories

Floods rarely introduce a single dramatic poisonous chemical. The largest concern is turbidity, or cloudiness, from excess silt and organic matter. At certain levels, especially around the Hill Country, where many plant facilities reported turbidity levels as high as 5.0 NTU in July, these also pose a threat because these particles can shield bacteria and parasites from the disinfectant that would typically kill them. In the meantime, as utilities await two consecutive clean samples to validate the safety of the water, a boil-water order is a necessary precaution. This is not a sign of a failing system but one that is working as designed.

For Gulf Coast communities like Lake Jackson, Freeport, Pearland, and Sugar Land, the lesson from the Hill Country is simple: hurricane and flood season can put any water system to the test, and knowing what to do is the best protection a household can have.

What Can You Drink During a Boil-Water Advisory?

Under these circumstances, Water of Texas has these simple, step-by-step directions for the households affected by the advisory.

Drinking and cooking – When an advisory is in effect, bring water to a rolling boil for one full minute and let cool before using for either of these. Bottled water, of course, is safe for drinking and cooking. Filtering water is not sufficient for making water safe to drink.
Brushing teeth and making ice – Also, avoid using the tap water for making ice until the advisory is lifted.
Giving water to babies – Use either ready-to-use formula or mix the formula with boiled or bottled water.
Pets – Use the safe water meant for human consumption.
Washing dishes – Use the sanitizing cycle on your dishwasher or hand wash and soak rinsed dishes in a solution of a teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water for one minute.
Showering – Most adults can continue to shower by avoiding swallowing water. It is best to sponge-bathe infants and young children.

Throughout, the most important thing to remember is to follow the directions of your local utilities and local health officials. They know your system and can provide instructions and information appropriate for your area.

"Safe is boring on purpose." David Taylor continues to remind customers to boil water or purchase bottled water from the store while they wait for the utility to lift the notice. Until this happens, no personal units at home (other than those that are listed and certified to be in use) will do the trick.

Building Resilience After the Notice Lifts

Once water is declared safe, homeowners start to wonder how they can regain control of what comes out of their taps. Water of Texas applauds the use of certified, whole-home treatment systems because hard mineral and pollutant contaminants such as lead and PFAS can be reduced under normal conditions. However, home treatment should not be used as a substitute for a boil-water advisory.

"Our first priority is PEOPLE, and if we can help provide solutions to the families we serve during a boil-water notice, that trust is the foundation of our business. We have been around for over 30 years and haven't sold one treatment system to a family we helped stay safe," remarked the spokesperson.

Water of Texas provides free water assessments and consultations to Houston and Brazoria County areas. For now, residents on boil-water notices should rely on the instructions and advice of their utility.

About Water of Texas

Water of Texas LLC is a locally owned water treatment company serving homeowners, businesses, and industrial clients throughout the Lake Jackson, Freeport, Pearland, Sugar Land, Alvin, and Dickinson areas and beyond in the greater Houston area. With 30 years of experience, it has proudly served its communities and grown into a trusted resource. Water of Texas specializes in water softening, reverse osmosis, and whole-home filtration and stands behind a clear promise: The Choice is Clear.

Media Contact:

Company: Water of Texas
Address: 1505 E Kyle Rd., Clute, TX 77531
Phone: (979) 221-2774
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://wateroftexas.com