(LAREDO) — A Boil Water Notice remains in effect for South Laredo today, September 29, and Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), Representative Tracy O. King (D-Uvalde) and Representative Richard Peña Raymond (D-Laredo) encourage Laredoans to observe the precautions outlined in the notice.

"I have communicated directly with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality executive director and regional director, Mayor Pete Saenz, Council Member Albert Torres, and City of Laredo personnel to resolve this problem as soon as possible," Senator Zaffirini said. "While systematic testing has revealed no bacteria in any part of the city's water system, it is critical that all persons follow the protocol specified by the city, namely, bringing their water to a 'vigorous rolling boil' for at least two minutes before drinking or consuming, including brushing teeth or washing the hands and face. Elder residents, children and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria and should be especially mindful."

"We have been in contact with TCEQ since early this morning. We are working with TCEQ staff and City of Laredo staff to find a prompt solution," said Representative King. "In the meantime, we have also reached out to major retailers to get additional water products trucked into their Laredo stores. We are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible."

City officials maintain that there is no water shortage, and Senator Zaffirini and Representatives King and Raymond remind Laredoans to report any instance of "price gouging," or over-charging, to the Laredo Police Department.

"My first priority will always be protecting the people of Laredo, but that should be done without raising unnecessary red flags," Rep. Raymond said.

"City residents should share this information with their family, friends and neighbors to ensure everyone is informed quickly and accurately and receives any necessary assistance while the boil notice is in effect," Senator Zaffirini said. "Having experienced a BWN in Austin and now experiencing it as a South Laredoan, I know how inconvenient this is. Nevertheless, caution is necessary and wise. The safety measures and inconvenience are worth precluding health risks for our loved ones and for ourselves and I am confident the situation will be resolved timely."

For updates, residents can visit the City of Laredo's newsroom website (http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/newsroom.html) or follow the city on Facebook. For health-related information, call the Health Department at 956/795-2922. Persons with questions also may contact Juan Rios, Water Pollution Control, at 956/721-2056 or the Utilities Main Office at 956/721-2000, located at 5816 Daugherty Ave., Laredo, Texas 78044.

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