McALLEN, TX — The backflow incident involving contamination of the Corpus Christi water supply system is of critical concern and my top priority at this time. It is imperative that our families have water that is safe to drink.

Residents citywide have been advised not to drink tap water or use tap water for normal activities, including cooking, showering, washing hands or brushing teeth. Please be vigilant and discontinue tap water usage citywide until further notice.

However, there is not enough bottled water available in the city and most stores have reported being sold out. My district office in McAllen has purchased numerous cases of bottled water to send to our communities in Corpus Christi.

We are working alongside State Representative Terry Canales who has generously obtained a semi-truck to take any water donations up to Corpus Christi. Please bring donations of bottled water to my district office in McAllen or to State Rep. Terry Canales' district office in Edinburg.

I appeal to our Rio Grande Valley communities to please lend a hand to help our neighbors in this time of need. Both offices will be accepting donations until 7:00 p.m. tonight and then will be transported to Corpus Christi at soon to be determined drop-off locations. Thank you for any and all assistance you are able to provide.

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