MARLIN (November 20, 2012)—Marlin’s water problems went from bad to worse Tuesday as crews worked to repair breaks in two 8-inch mains.
To make repairs, crews have to drain water from the lines, which left residents and businesses without water for about five hours Tuesday, officials said.
Marlin Fire Chief Curtis Keener described the situation as an emergency.
Service was restored at around 5 p.m. Tuesday, but a boil order and strict conservation measures remain in effect.
The original problem developed two weeks ago when a man delivering liquid chemicals to the water treatment plant turned a wrong switch, causing the plant to stop pumping water for 16 hours, officials said.
A temporary G.E. portable package plant went into service last week.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has allowed the city to run its water treatment plant and the G.E. package plant simultaneously to ensure that water levels are increasing in the city’s water storage facilities.
The temporary arrangement will remain in operation until technicians make repairs.
