PRESS RELEASE ---FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026

CONTACT:

Noraida Negron, Public Information Manager, (956) 625-8088, nnegron@ci.laredo.tx.us

EMERGENCY DECLARATION

PUBLIC NOTICE TO BOIL WATER

TCEQ - Certificate of Delivery Tier 1 Notice to Customers

LAREDO, Texas –  The City of Laredo has issued a precautionary boil water notice for customers served by the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant service area following confirmation of bacteriological contamination identified at a specific sampling location within the distribution system.

Although the boil water notice applies to customers within the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant service area, current operational data and additional sampling indicate the issue appears to be isolated to a limited area within the distribution system. At this time, there is no evidence of widespread contamination throughout the Jefferson service area or any failure of the City’s water treatment operations.

The boil water notice is being issued in accordance with regulatory requirements established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) while additional sampling, flushing, and operational response measures continue.

Water treatment operations at the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant continue functioning normally, system pressure remains stable, and disinfectant residual levels throughout the service area remain within operational standards.

Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño has also issued a precautionary local emergency declaration to support continued public health protection efforts, operational coordination, and emergency response flexibility associated with the boil water notice. The declaration is precautionary in nature and does not indicate a failure of the City’s water treatment system or a widespread loss of water service. (please see attached)

“The health and safety of our residents remains our highest priority,” said Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño. “While current information indicates this issue appears isolated, the City is taking every precaution necessary to protect public health and restore full water quality as quickly as possible. Our Utilities Department and emergency response teams continue working around the clock alongside state partners while additional testing and monitoring efforts remain ongoing.”

Upon receiving the laboratory results, Utilities Department personnel immediately initiated response protocols, including:

• Isolating the suspected service connection,
• Removing the associated meter from service,
• Conducting additional bacteriological sampling throughout the affected service area,
• Initiating flushing operations,
• Verifying system pressure and disinfectant residuals, and
• Expanding monitoring efforts throughout the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant distribution system.

The City is also utilizing approved accelerated sampling and laboratory testing procedures, in coordination with TCEQ requirements, to help obtain confirmatory results as quickly as possible while maintaining all public health and regulatory standards.

Required Public Notice Language

Due to the potential for contamination associated with this positive bacteriological sample, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Laredo public water system to notify all customers served by the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant service area to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure the 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 or other human consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil, then boiled for two (2) minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from another suitable source for drinking or human consumption.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, City of Laredo public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking or other human consumption.

Areas Affected

This precautionary boil water notice applies to customers served by the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant service area.

Residents may view the affected service area map here: [WATER TREATMENT PLANTS MAP]

A map of the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant service area is also attached to this release.

Residents uncertain whether they are affected should contact the City of Laredo Utilities Department or visit the City’s official communication channels for additional information and mapping resources.

What Residents Should Know

• This notice is precautionary and regulatory in nature.
• Current evidence suggests the issue is isolated to a limited area within the Jefferson distribution system.
• Water treatment operations at the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant remain stable and continue functioning normally.
• Additional testing, flushing operations, and enhanced monitoring efforts remain ongoing throughout the service area.
• The City remains optimistic the notice will be lifted as quickly as regulatory sampling requirements allow.

At this time, the City does not anticipate a prolonged disruption to water service or water quality operations. Nonetheless, the City maintains contingency response plans should conditions warrant additional support measures.

The City of Laredo will continue providing updates as additional laboratory results are received and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation while this matter is resolved.

For questions regarding this notice, contact 311.

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