The City has not issued a boil water order thus far for two reasons:

Some residents have noted a small amount of sediment in public water supplies. The City of Farmers Branch Public Works crews have been repairing burst water mains throughout the City. When doing so they try to avoid getting sediment in water lines, but some debris is unavoidable. The solution is simply to run the water for several minutes before using. The water is still chlorinated and safe to drink.

Conditions can always change, but currently Farmers Branch water availability is adequate and water quality is perfectly safe for all household uses.

However, Dallas Water Utilities has extended a request for all municipal water clients, including Farmers Branch residents, to reduce water usage as much as possible.

Water saving suggestions:

In the event of a residential water line emergency, or a break, that is causing a life-threatening risk or substantial property damage, call the Farmers Branch Public Works Emergency line at 972.919.2597.

Also, our friends at the City of Plano Communications Department have developed a helpful video that explains how to shut off residential water lines quickly. Watch here.

In addition, the Citizen Collection Center closed Thursday February 18 at 5 p.m. but will re-open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday February 19 thru 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All Farmers Branch residents can deposit solid waste or bulk items at the CCC anytime it is open. The CCC location is 1399 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75234

The City of Farmers Branch and Community Waste Disposal, or CWD, will soon launch a pilot program for residents on the east side of the City who want to use a garbage cart for solid waste collection.

The program will offer six months of garbage cart collection service on a weekly basis.

Up to 200 citizens will be allowed to participate on a volunteer basis, at a one-time cost of $76 for the six month curbside service. The sign-up period will be February 22 through March 12. The program will involve garbage collection only, not recyclable materials or bulk. The pilot program will run from April 1 to September 30.

Residents who wish to participate should contact the City at 972.919.1408 or renee.esses@farmersbranchtx.gov. Each participant will receive an invoice and pay the $76 fee, at which time a gray cart will be delivered to the home address. The cart is to be placed at the curb on regular collection days, but is still subject to screening requirements enforced by the City. If, after six months, the City Council votes to discontinue the program, carts will be collected by the City.

Both Atmos Energy and Oncor Electric Delivery continue to emphasize that residential customers should try to reduce energy consumption until Texas weather patterns return to a normal cycle and energy consumption drops back to a normal range.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, announced early Thursday the end of rolling power blackouts across the state, though some customers may continue to experience power outages due to damaged equipment.

Beware of a fraudulent social media post being circulated about the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA Region 6, program that will reimburse citizens for overnight hotel and motel fees.

This is a fraudulent post. The best source of information on FEMA aid can be found online at the Texas Division of Emergency Management website.

The TDEM is actually supporting Texans with generators, fuel, fresh water and blankets.

Limitations were in place when Texas State Department of Health Trauma Service Area E (including Dallas County) COVID-19 hospitalizations exceeded 15 percent of hospital capacity. As of February 16, TSA-E's COVID-19 hospitalization rate has remained below 15 percent for seven consecutive days, triggering an automatic rescinding of the occupancy limitations.

Find out more about the state orders online. Officials stress that if the hospitalization rate should go back up above the 15 percent mark for seven consecutive days, occupancy reductions could be reinstated.

The program includes fitness activities, arts and crafts, and on-site entertainment. Campers will also tour the Park’s historical structures, shop at the Park’s General Store, create keepsake crafts, and experience a little bit of outdoor “glamping”. $95 for residents and $150 for non-residents. Register here.

Camp details are subject to change. The Community Recreation Center staff will maintain the most up-to-date safety protocols as determined by City and state leaders and health officials. Call 972.247.2607 for more information or visit fbreccenter.com.

A max of 50 guests will be allowed at each time slot. Register here.

The state has a new, county-by-county COVID vaccination website

Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 Dashboard | Dallas County COVID-19 Information

State of Texas COVID Info | farmersbranchtx.gov/coronavirus

Dallas County now has six hub vaccination centers where people classified as Phase 1A or 1B can be vaccinated: Baylor University Medical Center, the City of Dallas at the K.B. Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas County Health and Human Services, the City of Garland Health Department, Parkland Hospital and UT Southwestern Medical Center.

To receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, residents who qualify must enroll on the County's online registry. Registrants will then receive an email confirmation and be contacted by one of the hubs to schedule an appointment. The Dallas Morning News published more information in a Vaccine Guide available here.

For more information, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website or contact your healthcare provider.