Harvey knocks out Beaumont's water supply

BEAUMONT, Texas – The city of Beaumont has lost service from its main pump station due to the rising waters of the Neches River.

The pump station is along the Neches River, which is the main source of water for the city’s water system.

Beaumont has also lost its secondary water source at the Loeb wells in Hardin County.

"Both of these facilities, located probably 10 miles from one another, are both flooded. Underwater," said Kyle Hayes, Beaumont's city manager.

There is no water supply for the city's water system, officials said.

The city will have to wait until the high water levels fueled by Hurricane Harvey recede before it is able to determine the extent of damage.

"We are going to do everything we can to restore water service to our citizens and businesses, and please know that besides the safety of our residents, this is by far our top priority," Hayes said.

The city anticipates it will lose water pressure throughout the city by 4 a.m.-5 a.m.

"We're working on getting bottled water here. As you know, it's very difficult because of the situation in Houston, also in Louisiana. But we have trucks," Hayes said.

Meanwhile, the uncertainty of when the water system will be repaired has people lined up at the grocery stores and gas stations looking for water.

"I went to about 20 stores. I'm still trying to get more," Beaumont resident Dominique Lofton said.

Shops and restaurants were closed. Gas stations offered some gas, but all did not have working restrooms because of the lack of running water.

The South Texas Food bank said it would offer cases of water every day at noon and go until supplies last.

The city says it is working to bring three water distribution stations in the city.

The Baptist Hospital in Beaumont had to evacuate 193 patients because of the lack of running water.

"We have supplies food and staff but without water it's impossible to do dialysis, surgeries or deliver babies. We need that water source," Mary Poole, the hospital's spokeswoman, said.

Those patients were brought to outside hospitals and medical facilities. Nursing homes and dialysis facilities were also evacuated.

City officials said they are not sure when they will be able to get the water system working again.

Check the forecast any time by visiting the weather page of Click2Houston.com or by downloading Frank's forecast app on Apple or Android devices.

Download the Click2Houston news app in your app store to stay up-to-date with the latest news while you're on the go.

Sign up for KPRC 2 newsletters to get breaking news, sports, entertainment, contests and more delivered straight to your email inbox.