WATER

Can you imagine trying to take a cold shower on a 100-degree day in Houston and all you get is a sprinkle of water from a shower head that just spits at you?

Researchers are still studying the chemical makeup of “produced water” from Permian Basin oil fields. But regulators say they’re ready to issue permits to discharge the water into rivers and creeks.

More than one dozen counties in our area are affected.

Within weeks, the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is expected to start releasing treated radioactive wastewater into the sea, a highly contested plan facing fierce protests in and outside Japan.

Brown, smelly and dirty; that’s how homeowners in the Silver Glen community described their water, which they said was only getting worse.

Heads up, Katy residents! Your water may look different for the next couple of days.

If you’re on the road today you will need to avoid making a U-turn on the frontage road on I-69 at San Jacinto due to high water.

When Andrea Harclerode contacted KPRC 2 Investigates last February, she had already been asking the Houston water department to help straighten out her meter and billing issues since 2019. A bill for more than $15,000 was the last straw. Three months after KPRC 2 investigative reporter Amy Davis got involved, the city finally resolved the issue.

Residents in Sweeny say they have been complaining about the discoloration and quality of their drinking water for months.

Residents in Sweeny are furious over the quality of water throughout the city.

Sweeny city manager Lindsay Koskiniemi said they have received 56 complaints about the water since January.

KPRC 2 Investigates continues to look into your water bills that are draining so many customers.

The United Nations chief is urging the first world conference on water in more than 45 years to address the “21st century emergency” that is wasting the world’s most important resource and has left billions of people without clean water and basic sanitation.

Hundreds of Houston water customers who have paid their bills on time every month are getting slapped with enormous charges months later with no explanation. The KPRC 2 Investigates team is digging into the billing nightmares that are leaving customers “DRAINED.”

Water leaks and pipe breaks is an expensive problem in Houston. In our ‘DRAINED’ KPRC 2 Investigation we've learned the reason it often takes so long to fix these issues is because the city of Houston has wrong and outdated water pipe maps.

More than 30 livestock animals, including goats and cattle, were seized by rescuers from the Houston Humane Society at a Fort Bend County packing plant this week.

A survey was commissioned by the nonprofit organization Texas Water Trade and included responses from households in both rural border communities and in urban areas across Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Residents at Lakecrest Village Apartments in northeast Houston are frustrated after they say they spent the holiday weekend without running water.

Renters at one Sugar Land apartment complex asked Amy Davis if their landlord can legally shut off the water to the entire complex to avoid damage to their pipes when freezing temperatures hit overnight tonight.

Residents in one Magnolia community are fed up with their ongoing water issues.

Residents who live within Harris County Municipal District No. 70 should use caution when using their water after officials said recent testing indicated potentially high levels of lead.

We’re getting a sneak peek inside the traveling water show coming to Katy with 35-thousand gallons of H20.

Many grocery chains are limiting bottled water purchases as the boil water notice continues across the Houston.

A Boil Water Notice was issued by the City of Houston Public Works Department Sunday that includes a portion of Fort Bend County, according to a news release.

The entire city of Houston has been placed under a boil water notice, effective immediately, city officials announced Sunday.

KPRC 2 Investigates is asking why water rates are skyrocketing and what we’re getting for the extra money we’re all paying.

Sparkling water is refreshing and flavorful, but dentists warn the refreshment might not be sparkling for your pearly whites.

Three areas with levels slightly above industry standards of Legionella bacterium were found in the Neuro-Psychiatric Center on the Ben Taub Hospital campus, according to Harris Health System.

Katy is asking its residents to conserve water.

The city of Houston has announced that it has entered Stage One of its drought contingency plan as of Tuesday.

Residents of the West Texas city of Odessa have been improvising emergency water supplies after a water system outage left them high and dry for days amid scorching heat, even as utility crews scrambled to restore normal service.

The City of Rosenberg said its water system will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the water distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine. The conversion will begin on June 6, and continue through June 26.

City pools across the nation are dealing with staffing issues and struggling to find lifeguards for the summer.

If you’re anything like me, you love to travel. And after being inside for more than two years, I am absolutely ready to get back out there and visit some of my favorite cities.

Some people living near New Caney said they want answers about their water.

Some Houston residents are complaining that their drinking water has an odd odor.

Sugar Land water might smell and taste a bit different starting on March 1, authorities announced Tuesday.

A sample taken from the water supply in the Northgate Crossing Municipal Utility District No 1. tested positive for E. coli on Tuesday.

At a time when it seems like just about everything is more expensive, we want to warn you about potential sticker shock when it comes to your bills. You’ll probably be paying more for several of your utility bills this winter. Our KPRC 2 Investigates team is here with what you need to know to prepare.

For at least three weeks, and possibly longer, water, mostly likely tens of thousands of gallons, has been pouring out of a broken 12″ water main along Woodway Drive, near Winrock.

Just this week, a major Southern California water agency declared a water supply alert for the first time in seven years, and is asking residents to voluntarily conserve. Many of the state’s counties are already under a state of drought emergency.

If you’ve been scrolling around on social media this month, then you may have noticed that over the Fourth of July weekend, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg was riding on some sort of wakeboard on a lake with an American flag in tow.

For years, KPRC 2 Investigates has relentlessly reported on the safety of local drinking water and a toxic, cancer-causing chemical in our water supply.

Clean water is essential to a person's health and well-being.

The City of Houston council members voted to approve a proposed hike in water bills by a 12-4 vote.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Office sent out a news release with a letter about the proposed City of Houston water and wastewater rate increase.

Right now TxDOT has closed the following location due to high water.

Natural disasters, whether it’s a vicious hurricane or a crippling winter storm, they force municipalities and agencies into management mode. While managing the unpredictable is challenging, the approach is straightforward.

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, for approximately four weeks.

For twenty years, city of Houston residents have relied on 311 to get problems fixed.

Water and sewer rates will likely increase for Houston residents.

HOUSTON – Water leaks from broken pipes during the state’s big freeze caused big bills for thousands of City of Houston customers. If you have already received a big bill for water usage during the time of the freeze, Houston Public Works Department says you should pay on the due date, but don’t pay the abnormally high amount. You should pay the amount on your previous water bill that was more in line with your normal usage. When you receive your April bill, Houston Public Works says you will notice an adjustment. Public Works says its software will flag accounts with abnormally high usage over the week of the big freeze.

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)HOUSTON – An estimated 25% of all Houston Water customers experienced a leak on their property during the winter storm, the city said Tuesday. The statistic is based on Houston Public Works’ data from water meter readings. Of Houston’s single-family residential customers, an estimated 50,000 had no flow or constant flow, indicating a leak on the property, the city said in a news release. The city said Houston Public Works received more than 11,000 calls for help with water service the weeks during and after the event. If you are still without water service, you’re advised to call 311.

HOUSTON – Many local businesses and organizations have opened food and water distribution sites in the Houston area in the wake of the recent winter storms. Various distribution sites pop up daily, so please keep checking this list if you’re in need. Houston Community College-North Forest CampusTexas State Representative Senfronia Thompson, NACC Disaster Services, Teamsters Union, Houston Community College (HCC)- North Forest campus, HCC Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, Peoples United Summit, and other volunteer groups host water and food distribution in northeast Houston. The organizers will provide food and water for about 1,000 vehicles. Pet owners will receive free pet food, supplies, and information on additional resources such as the Houston Humane Society’s free spay/neuter program.

SUGAR LAND, Texas – The Sugar Land City Council recently approved steps to help residents impacted by last week’s winter storm. “Residents of Sugar Land have endured conditions no one should have to experience during the past week,” said Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman in a release. AdCalculations for 2021 winter averages will be based on last year’s average to ensure excessive water usage related to the recent winter storm doesn’t create higher than normal winter averages, according to the city. AdThis will include the following items through May 1:Permit fees for repairs needed as a result of the winter storm will be temporarily waived. Contractors registering with the city to perform repairs related to the winter storm will have their annual registration fee waived.

HOUSTON – A higher concentration of normal disinfectants in Houston’s water system is causing an odor that has some people concerned, according to officials. According to Houston Public Works, a blend of chlorine and ammonia, called chloramine, are used to clean surface water. Where these two water sources carrying these disinfectants combine is causing the stink. RELATED READ: Complaints of strange-smelling water across Houston area after boil water notice lifted“This is a harmless odor that we try to avoid in our water system, but right now Houston Water is disinfecting the drinking water at higher concentrations in response to last week’s water emergency,” Carol Haddock, director of Houston Public Works. AdOfficials said the disinfectants are being reduced to normal concentrations, which should reduce the smell in two to three days.

HOUSTON – Texas Senate and House hearings are only the beginning of the investigations into our state’s power grid failures during a blistering winter storm. Ten days after the winter storm blanketed Texas, Anderson still has no water in her Yorkdale neighborhood home in Northwest Houston. Like millions of Texans, Anderson lost power as temperatures dropped, pipes in the ceiling froze and then cracked. Hearings in the House and Senate will start the work to get those answers. We should have taken action then, what prevented that from happening, why did we not take the action?”

RICHMOND, Texas – Thousands showed up to community food and water giveaways in Rosenberg, Richmond and Missouri City Wednesday. Some waited for hours to make sure they would get some food and water. The need for food and water still so great for many Houston area families. They depend on these food giveaways and say this is saving lives. Boys and Girls Club will also host several more giveaways this week.

HOUSTON – The City of Houston handed out thousands of cases of water to Houstonians Friday. “We’ve lost gas, water, lights, food, but we don’t lose hope,” said Percy McGee. He and hundreds of others waited outside Delmar Stadium, where the city started distributing thousands of cases of bottled water. RELATED STORY: LIST: Food and water distribution sites in the Houston area“No water, electric, just have to make that big sacrifice. Also, the city planned to deliver bottled water to disable people who cannot make it to one of them.

Folks all across the Houston area in search of food and water started lining up outside of grocery stores at about 7 a.m. Thursday. Most stores were out of bottled water in a matter of minutes leaving shoppers like Adrienne Parker no choice but to continue searching. Others told KPRC 2 they will find ways to collect water and boil it as part of the city’s boiling water notice. We are also working closely with hospitals and food banks, along with city representatives to ensure that essential organizations have access to bottled water. We are thankful that almost all of our Kroger stores across Greater Houston are now back up and operational, and we look forward to serving our communities.

Mayor Turner provided an update on the city’s water system and an announcement on bottled water distribution at an 11 a.m. news briefing Thursday. Houston residents Wednesday were warned to boil their water -- if they had the power to do so-- after water pressure plummeted throughout the Houston-area. A combination of bursting pipes and equipment failures at water distribution facilities during the freezing weather caused the water pressure to fall, said Carol Haddock, director of public works. In a news briefing Wednesday, city officials said water pressure would improve throughout the day and expected pressure levels to stabilize and return to an operational range before the end of the day on Thursday. After water pressure returns to normal levels, a 24-hour observation period on water samples must occur before the boil water notice can be lifted.

HOUSTON – A video from northeast Harris County shows the mess a broken waterline from frozen pipes can bring. Video of the home -- said to be on Highway 90 at Sheldon Road – shows water falling on sodden insulation and sheetrock strewn over furniture in what looks to be a living room. Watch the video in the player above. Have you experienced similar damage in the severe weather? Let us know.

HOUSTON – Local officials are asking people to stop their dripping faucets -- a measure aimed at avoiding a pipe freeze -- now in the wake of severe weather. Temperatures are no longer at levels that will result in pipes freezing...stop dripping water faucets. Pressure on several water systems is dangerously low due to broken pipes and power outages. Conserve as much water as possible #houwx #txwx #hounews — Jeff Lindner (@JeffLindner1) February 17, 2021It’s a similar message from officials across the area. The pipe freeze possibility, they say, is over for now.

HOUSTON – Some cities have issued boil water notices and others have had to shut off water service across the Houston area. For some people, this is in addition to power outages, leaving many with lots to say on social media. Here are some of the things people are saying on social media about the ongoing situation. a being able to complete basic hygienic activities without the use of water. #texaswinterstorm #TexasWeather #boilwater pic.twitter.com/jZEIiq22VC — haydenj (@haydenj1228) February 17, 2021#Texas #BoilWater noticeHopefully the power will be on so you can have safe water to drink.#WaterIsLife https://t.co/3ff4ZuZPTy — JenniferC (@JenniferCWA) February 17, 2021

HOUSTON – The water system in Houston on Tuesday is operating in emergency mode and officials are urging people to use water sparingly. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a tweet that “it is becoming increasingly difficult” to maintain water pressure. The City is working very hard to maintain water pressure but it is becoming increasingly difficult. There are 2 requests: please do not run water to prevent pipes from freezing and turn off water if pipes have burst. The Houston Public Works Department said in a tweet that people should only use water for “health & safety reasons.”Houston’s water & wastewater systems are operating at emergency pressure levels and experiencing system-wide low water pressure.

HOUSTON – Check out ‘Cirque Italia’ the first-ever traveling Italian water circus that will be performing their first shows of the brand-new 2021 tour! This is an innovative and unique production, (the only one of its kind in the country), and this weekend they are stopping under the blue and white swirly tent right near Katy Mills Mall. The story begins with our Ringmaster “Clown Rafinha” fishing when he unexpectedly catches a bottle with a treasure map stuffed inside. His journey takes the audience through the high seas, dreams of angelic aerialists, pirate fights, and more. You will see swashbucklers balancing upside down on a rum barrel, juggling knives, and even one having a run-in with a mermaid.

A boiling pot of water is seen in this undated file image. BAYTOWN, Texas – A water main break Tuesday has prompted a boil water order to be issued for parts of Baytown. Officials said the order is for residents and businesses located along the Interstate 10 corridor from Spur 330 to Garth Road. Water provided by the City of Baytown Public Water System should be boiled for two minutes and cooled before it is used for drinking or other consumption, officials said. Repairs to the broken water main are underway, officials said.

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – In September, news broke that a brain-eating amoeba was responsible for the death of a 6-year-old Lake Jackson boy. RELATED: Lake Jackson residents in need of safe water as brain eating amoeba contaminates water supplyMcIntyre died September 8, just days after his trip to a Lake Jackson splash pad. According to health officials, a parasite, called naegleria fowleri, otherwise known as the brain-eating amoeba was in the water. Cities testing for brain-eating amoebaKPRC 2 Investigates has learned some other cities are now testing their water for this same amoeba, but many are not. Most districts not testing water for amoebaWe contacted 80 municipalities and cities in Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria and Waller counties.

HOUSTON – Authorities have lifted a boil water notice for the following subdivisions in the Lake Livingston area: Natasha Heights, Lakeland Hideaway, Cherokee Forest, and Green Acres. The Lake Livingston Water Supply Corporation’s general manager Kim Click told KPRC 2 the notice has been lifted Wednesday afternoon. The water authority had issued a statement that said the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality cited low chlorine in its systems, which prompted the boil water notice. All customers are asked to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face/brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions, according to the memo.

HOUSTON – Houston officials say more than 100,000 gallons of domestic wastewater have been spilled in five locations in Houston as of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday due to the “intense, sustained, rainfall of greater than 10 inches in the last 24 hours,” during Tropical Storm Beta. LIVE BLOG: Read the latest updates from the developing Tropical Depression Beta hereOfficials with Houston Public Works and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are monitoring the situation. At present, officials say if you receive your water from the city of Houston, you do not need to boil your drinking water. Here’s a map of where the spills occurred:The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires the city to provide residents with the following information in event of a wastewater spill: