According to reports, officials in Lake Jackson, Texas has issued a disaster declaration after it was revealed that drinking water in the area has been contaminated with a brain-eating amoeba. The city noted the area is under a “do not use water order.”
The city requested an emergency declaration from the state, saying, “The City of Lake Jackson, County of Brazoria, Texas, is facing significant threats to life, health and property due to contaminated drinking water. The impact of this threat is severe. The potential damages include: sickness and death.” The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality warned the Brazosport Water Authority of possible contamination of their water supply, and warned eight communities not to use tap water for any reason beyond flushing toilets. However, that order was lifted on Saturday for all places except Lake Jackson.
A press release from Lake Jackson noted the city became aware of the naegleria fowleri amoeba after a six-year-old boy was infected. The advisory is reportedly still in effect until the authority’s water system has been flushed and deemed safe to be use again after water samples prove it is safe. Stay tuned for more details in this situation.
source: CBS
