JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The San Antonio Water System has issued a “Voluntary Boil Water Notice” for water used for drinking, cooking and ice making as a precautionary measure due to the large number of broken pipes and low water pressure in the area. On Joint Base San Antonio, this notice only applies to JBSA-Kelly Field, Security Hill and Port San Antonio. For the most part, JBSA produces its own water.
For Airmen working in the affected areas, please boil water for at least 2 minutes before consumption. If unable to boil water, please work through your chain-of-command to secure potable water, and as a resource, potable water can be secured from Fire Station 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily if you can supply the container.
- All other areas across JBSA (Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis & Randolph) do not need to boil their water. If the situation changes, we will issue further guidance.
According to a SAWS news release, the 100-plus hours of below-freezing temperatures have caused issues maintaining water pressure above 20 PSI in portions of the distribution system. It is recommended at this time, that everyone utilizing SAWS water services take precautions to boil water until notified by SAWS that you no longer need to do so.
Boil Water Procedures:
- To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
- In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend the following:
Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator. Breastfeeding is the best infant feeding option. If you formula feed your child, provide ready-to-use formula, if available.
Handwashing
- In many situations, you can use tap water and soap to wash hands. Follow the guidance from your local public health officials.
- Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and rinse them well under running water.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Bathing and showering
- Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering.
- Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.
Brushing teeth
- Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use untreated tap water.
Washing dishes
- If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory.
- Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65.55°Celsius), or if the dishwater has a sanitizing cycle. Sterilize all baby bottles.
- To wash dishes by hand: Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water. In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water. Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute. Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.
Laundry
- It is safe to wash clothes as usual.
Caring for pets
- Pets can get sick by some of the same germs as people or spread germs to people. Provide bottled or boiled water after it has been cooled for pets to use.
To provide some relief, the following fire stations at JBSA’s main operating locations will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily for you to collect water if needed:
- JBSA-Lackland: Fire Station #1 at the corner of Kenly Avenue and Truemper Street. Distribution at back door of station opposite stall doors – sign will be posted on door with number to call.
- JBSA-Chapman Annex: Fire Station #3 on Medina Base Road. Distribution at back door of station opposite stall doors – sign will be posted on door with number to call.
- JBSA-Fort Sam Houston: Fire Station #4 at the corner of Garden Avenue and Schofield Road. Distribution at back door of station opposite stall doors – sign will be posted on door with number to call.
- JBSA-Fort Sam Houston: Fire Station #5 at the corner of Dodd Boulevard and Winans Road. Distribution at back door of station opposite stall doors – sign will be posted on door with number to call.
- JBSA-Randolph: Fire Station #8 at the intersection of 5th Street East and J Street East on the southeast corner of the installation. Distribution at east site of station – sign will be posted on door with number to call.
Please ensure that you DO NOT PARK VEHICLES IN FRONT OF STALL DOORS. In addition, please bring your own, clean containers – the fire department will not be providing containers nor will they be responsible for sanitizing; they will provide potable water only (no ice).