AUSTIN, Texas – Austin's boil water notice remains in effect for a third day, and according to Austin Water it could last several more days.
- Half of Seton's hospital affected by boil order
- Enough water for next 7 days
- Tap water only used for operations
While residents are boiling water and buying water bottles, it is even more challenging for hospitals to get safe water. Hospitals are dealing with some of the city's most vulnerable people in terms of health, which means they have to be cautious about the water given to patients.
Ascension-Seton's leaders said that out of 12 hospitals in the Central Texas area, half of them are affected by the boil order.
However, hospital officials said they are not worried because the water provided to patients and used for medical procedures is already sterilized.
The hospitals also have enough water in house, thanks to unaffected hospitals in their system, along with a partnership with Coca-Cola. Tap water will be used strictly for operations.
"From a supply ordering standpoint, a couple of weeks would not be a problem and, honestly, I have zero reason to believe that there would be any disruption or interruption, even if it extends past two weeks' time," said Andy Davis with Ascension Seton.
St. David's Hospital officials said they have enough water in-house for up to seven days with more on the way. As of right now, they don't believe they will run into problems providing clean water for patients and staff to drink.