Galveston enacts stage 5 water restrictions; island's water supply is 'critically low'

The City of Galveston is under Stage 5 water restrictions and is asking residents to conserve water. They say the island's water supply is "critically low."

Major water line breaks and system failures caused by the ongoing freeze, have hampered the city's ability to provide water service.

Most customers are already experiencing low to no water pressure because of these breaks and failures. 

Editor's note: The above video originally aired on Monday, Feb. 15.

UTMB is postponing all elective surgeries and procedures, closing clinics and telling non-essential employees to stay home.

The Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA), the city's water supplier, has had its own water supply issues, which greatly reduced the flow of water to the island. 

Other communities who get water from the GCWA are also experiencing water issues.

"The Gulf Coast Water Authority will continue to supply water to the island as long as it can," the city of Galveston said in a release. "Efforts are ongoing to fill tanks while GCWA is still delivering water."

Stage 5 water restrictions

• Showers should be limited to five minutes or less. 
• Landscape water uses are prohibited.
• The city will also discontinue the flushing of water mains unless there is a threat to public health, safety, or welfare. 
• Water pressure will slowly be enhanced as the system is able to re-equalize.

Galveston has also issued a boil water notice. All water for human or pet consumption should be boiled for two minutes and cooled. 

RELATED: LIST: Boil water notices issued across Houston area due to winter storm

This will help destroy any bacteria in the water used by people and pets.

Warming centers open

Galveston County has several warming centers open.

Here's a list:

• Bayside Community Center - 4833 10th St., Bacliff, TX
• Friendswood High School - 702 Greenbriar Dr., Friendswood, TX
• McGuire-Dent Recreation Center - Menard Park - 2222 28th St., Galveston, TX (opens at 6 p.m. Wednesday)
• Barber Middle School - 5651 FM 517 Road East, Dickinson, TX (for Dickinson residents)
• Santa Fe Fire and Rescue Station 1 - 13112 Highway 6, Santa Fe, TX (Santa Fe residents only, ID required)
• High Island Gym - 2113 6th St., High Island, TX (opens at 6 p.m. Wednesday)
• Blocker Middle School - 1800 9th Ave. N, Texas City, TX (open until Feb. 18 at 3 p.m.)