AUSTIN, Texas - The boil water notice means we all have to change habits to stay safe, but that can be a financial burden for small businesses. Many restaurants have closed altogether, while others are making it work. Some have said they believe they owe it to their customers to stay open.
- Austin's boil water to remain in effect for at least a few more days
- Numerous Austin restaurants have closed
- Some establishments are staying open by using bottled water to prepare beverages and food
Working at a coffee shop may be a grind, but for Jackie Dunn it is second nature. She is the manager of The Hideout Coffee House & Improv Theater and has worked at the downtown establishment for 15 years.
“That’s one of the things that’s been the problem, is the fact that our routine has been kind of knocked out of whack a little bit. So it’s kind of like being a new kid at a new job,” Dunn said.
The Hideout Coffee is thinking on its feet, trying to deal with the alert that came Monday morning.
“The last couple of days, we’ve had to brainstorm, be creative, make things happen, and still be able to care about the safety of the water,” Dunn said.
On Tuesday morning, Dunn went to three different H-E-B locations to get water bottles. Like many businesses in the city, the coffee shop is using boiled water and water bottles to prepare food and drinks. Hideout staff disconnected the coffee machine to the city water and are manually pouring clean water to make coffee. While most of the menu is available, employees cannot provide espresso drinks.
“There’s no way to have it use anything but the water source,” Dunn said.
Baristas are also using disposable cups and plates, because dishwashing during a boil water notice can get complicated. Vegetables and fruits are being washed with bottled water.
“One day is one thing, getting through a whole week of this is a whole different ball game,” Dunn said.
At a news conference Tuesday, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk said the boil water notice will continue for days, rather than weeks. Earlier, Travis County officials said the notice could be in effect up to two weeks. In the meantime, managers like Dunn, said they have been connecting with vendors to make sure they are well stocked with the items they need. She said they want to press on for the community.
“We have a lot of regular customers here who are really important to us - and coffee, I mean, who wants to show up at your favorite coffee shop that you get your coffee at every day and the door is closed?” Dunn said.
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
Citywide Boil Water Notice Issued by Austin Water
List of Cities Not Impacted by Austin Boil Water Notice
Travis Co. Authorities: Adequate Supply of Drinking Water in Jails
San Antonio Sending Tanker to Assist with Austin Boil Water Notice