Power and Water Update: 02-19-2021
Good Morning Rollingwood Residents,
We are happy to report that many homes in Rollingwood have had power restored. Those that have been restored are likely on a grid that contains the lift stations and are considered critical infrastructure. Unfortunately, there are still homes in Rollingwood that have not had power restored. Thanks to tremendous work by Council Member Amy Pattillo, we now have a direct line to Austin Energy and we were able to avoid having our lift stations fail. We are not out of the woods yet, however, and ask that you still be modest with your water use. We should be largely in the clear to flush toilets, but please try to steer clear of loads of laundry, dishes and showers. If you do indulge in a shower, we ask that you consider capturing that water in the bathtub if that is an option. As the pipes thaw, there is a high likelihood of us discovering breaks, which may reduce access to water. In that event, you can use the used bath water to fill toilet basins.
If you experience leaks or pipes cracking as they begin to thaw please call the police non-emergency number at 512-328-1900 and ask public works to assist in water shut off. If that number is busy please call Public Works Operator Vicky Ballard at 737-268-6359. Once your power is restored there is also an increased chance of pipes thawing and leaking, so please be mindful and walk your property upon power restoration.
Please be aware that all utilities, electricity, gas, and water are still in tight supply statewide. We can do our part by being mindful in our consumption on all fronts.
At this point, we can work with Austin Energy to draw attention to those homes that are still without power. First, make sure you have reported your outage to Austin Energy. If you reported previously, please consider RE-reporting to ensure that Austin Energy remains aware. Then please send an email to alewis@rollingwoodtx.gov and mdyson@rollingwoodtx.gov including your name, street address, and the number of hours you have been without power. Austin Energy is prioritizing responses based on those that have gone the longest time without power. The city is now compiling a list of outages to ensure both Austin Energy stays on top of it, and so we can prioritize our city resources. If you’re aware of a neighbor being down, please share their information too.
Finally, Driving conditions are improving but the roads may still be hazardous and as it freezes again tonight be mindful that road conditions may deteriorate. If you are able to stay off the roads, please do so.
The warming center at City Hall is still open until 4:00 today and will reopen tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. We look forward to assisting you in any way we can.
If you need any other assistance we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us. Stay safe and warm.
City of Rollingwood
