LAKE JACKSON, Texas – Parents with children enrolled in Lake Jackson schools said that the past few days have been challenging with a boil order in effect. The City of Lake Jackson is under a boil order and Gov. Abbott issued a disaster declaration for Brazoria county after a 6-year-old died from a parasite found in the water.
“The most difficult thing here is the uncertainty and we don’t know when the water will be back,” said Arkady Krasovky.
“We sit a jug of water by the sink to remind us and even brushing our teeth we have to think can we use it, can we wash our hands?” said Angela Morris. “Lots of questions. My 10-year-old trying to understand what it is and what she can and can’t do.”
The added safety measures stem from the death of 6-year-old Josiah McIntyre. The child’s mother said that doctors believe her son contracted a deadly brain-eating amoeba.
RELATED: Lake Jackson residents in need of safe water after 6-year-old child dies from brain-eating amoeba in water supply
Brazosport ISD announced that the district is monitoring the water conditions but that all school campuses will be open on Monday.
Officials say the boil water order will be in place until the water system is flushed and disinfected. The city has not yet responded on a timeline of how long that might take.
Reaction from Texas leaders
Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for Brazoria County over the weekend due to the water issues in the county. Tuesday, he is expected to provide an update on the water supply in Lake Jackson.
Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, who represents part of Brazoria County, sought to calm tension among residents who are upset over the issue. In a press conference Monday evening, Bonnen spoke outside the Brazosport Water Authority building, praising the agency for its quick response and commitment to safety.
