UPDATE: A boil water advisory remains until Friday afternoon. The City of White Oak will provide a notice once the advisory is officially lifted.
WHITE OAK, Texas (KETK) — Schools in White Oak were dismissed early Tuesday after a citywide water shutdown prompted by a major leak along White Oak Road, according to officials.
White Oak Primary’s principal’s office said the district released students early after the City of White Oak announced it was shutting off water service to the entire city to repair a leak in the 1300 block of White Oak Road. Elementary bus routes departed at 1:30 p.m., followed by secondary routes at 2 p.m. All basketball games scheduled for Tuesday night were moved to New Diana.
City officials urged residents to avoid the area surrounding the leak for the safety of repair crews. In a statement, the city said crews were working to restore water service “as soon as we can.”
Also on Tuesday, the city issued a boil-water notice after pressure in the municipal water system dropped below 20 psi, triggering state safety requirements. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality directed the City of White Oak’s public water system to warn residents to boil water for at least two minutes before drinking, cooking, or making ice. Bottled water may be used as an alternative.
Residents will be notified when boiling water is no longer necessary. Questions can be directed to Water and Wastewater Superintendent Beaux Huey or City Coordinator Jimmy Purcell at 903-759-3936.
White Oak ISD said the decision on whether school will open on Wednesday will depend on the progress of the repairs.
“We understand that the uncertainty regarding school is concerning for everyone,” the district said in a statement, noting that classes are expected to resume if water service is restored. Parents will receive an update by 8 p.m. Tuesday.
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