“The focus of our efforts today and tomorrow are on finding and repairing water main leaks as well as leaks in people’s homes and businesses,” Memphis Light, Gas and Water CEO Doug McGowen said Saturday at a press conference. 

“We will continue that effort 24/7 until we’ve found all of those leaks,” he said at the conference at 503 N. Holmes Ave., to update the public. 

“The MLGW crews are repairing a 6-inch water main that is a rupture, but that 6-inch water main can flow more than half a million gallons of water a day,” McGowen said. “So, that can have a significant impact on our ability to maintain pressure when you have a lot of those around.”

MLGW is focusing on finding and fixing the leaks causing low pressure and low or no flow at all in some areas. 

Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing Sunday for the first time in days, and MLGW expects more breaks to be revealed during that time. In a press release, the utility said that’s when they expect to have a better idea of when all customers can expect to receive water.

“As repairs are made and pressures build, we will begin testing samples so that we can lift the precautionary boil water advisory next week,” the Saturday press release said.

“Right now, we’ve discovered and repaired 36 water main leaks so far, and more than 2,000 leaks in homes and businesses,” McGowen said. “And we continue to find those throughout the day. Now, repairing those leaks is going to be the key for us to restoring system pressure.”

According to McGowen, 15% of MLGW customers have low water pressure.

“I want to say again we’ll be at this 24/7,” McGowen said. “I do not have an estimated restoration time for anybody now until all these leaks reveal themselves and we can repair them. I will have an update for you tomorrow on that.”

When water reliably returns to 20 psi or above, MLGW’s water laboratory will start taking samples. Once the results are confirmed and MLGW receives clearance from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the utility can lift the boil-water advisory.

Saturday evening, the utility tweeted:

“MLGW expects to lift the precautionary boil water advisory next week. Water pressure system wide must rebuild first. Once temperatures are above freezing (sometime Sunday) #MLGW customers should STOP dripping faucets.”

For the time being, the Shelby County Health Department has presented guidance to any private building, establishment or facility under the current MLGW boil-water advisory:

• Identify a “person in charge” to be responsible for an operating plan and ongoing management of water-related issues and activities during the boil water advisory and to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols for your facility.
• Secure a supply of drinkable water.
• Store disinfected water in a clean, sanitized container with a cover.
• Shut off drinking fountains.
• Post signs at drinking fountains, and in kitchens and bathrooms to advise people not to drink the water.
• Discontinue using tap water for indoor and outdoor play and all recreational activities.

The health department provided some special guidance for schools and childcare facilities, as well.

• Limit menus to items that do not require water to prepare, such as microwaveable foods.
• Use bottled, boiled, or disinfected water for food and beverage preparation, activities, washing of fruits and vegetables and mixing beverages.
• Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils, if possible.
• Wash hands with soap and water to reduce the number of germs on them.