Updated Feb. 10, 2022, 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 update: Winter Storm response

The following is a summary of the City’s response to Winter Storm Landon Feb. 2-5, 2022.

Water

• Pre-winter: Insulated pipes, installed heat tape, and heaters
• 3 days of 24-hour staff coverage (Thur – Sat) to operate and protect plants and equipment
• Water and wastewater treatment plant staff slept on site to ensure treatment plants stayed operational
• 4 minor water leaks affecting less than 20 customers for a few hours
• 3 generators (500-kilowatts each) stationed at Stonewall, Hoover, and Pastor pump stations
• 2 industrial heaters at Leander and Sequoia pump stations to prevent freezing
• Staff visited dozens of sites to turn off 75 construction hydrant meters to limit losses to the system and damages to property
• 60 customer calls: employees advised residents with frozen pipes
• Non-field staff provided 24-hour food service and delivery to staff, including those working long shifts in freezing temperatures
• Retained construction contractor for standby

Electric

• Last summer: Extensive tree trimming and maintenance programs helped to keep outages low
• 24 hours out: Electric crews patrolled known trouble spots for tree-related outages and cleared limbs
• During winter storm: Crews were staged and on rotating shifts to provide 24-hour response
  • Feb 3: 1 power outage effecting 1 customer
  • Feb 4: 2 power outages affecting 7 and 9 customers respectively
  • Feb 5: 1 power outage affecting a total of 4 customers

Public Works

• 750 gallons of deicer placed on bridges and roadways
• 120 cubic yards of sand spread on bridges and roadways
• 3 days of 24-hour staff coverage to treat icy roads

Police

• 32 motor vehicle crashes (compared to 13 crashes in prior week)
• Provided transport for City employees in critical services

Fire

The Fire/Medical Department responded to 132 calls Feb. 3-5 during the winter storm event, which represents a 35 percent increase over the Jan. 2022 average on Feb. 3 and a 15 percent increase on Feb. 4. Calls included:

• 89 medical/EMS calls
• 25 fire calls (including fire alarms)
• 14 motor vehicle collision calls
• 4 assist calls

Customer Care

Phone calls received during the storm event:

• 156: Thursday, Feb. 3
• 292: Friday, Feb. 4
• 15: Saturday, Feb. 5 (8 a.m.-noon)

Communications

• 130,000 persons reached on City Twitter, Facebook, and NextDoor pages
• 7,000 engagements on City Twitter and Facebook pages
• 5,205 City website page views on storm post
• +60 total news releases, social media posts, and website updates

4:30 p.m. Friday Update

City facilities remained closed on Friday. However, most City facilities normally open on Saturday will open at 12 noon tomorrow, Feb. 5. This includes:

• Airport Terminal, 500 Terminal Drive
• Animal Shelter, 110 Walden Drive
• Garey Park, 6450 RM 2243
• Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St.
• Recreation Center, 1003 N. Austin Ave.
• Visitors Center, 103 W. Seventh St.

The Art Center, 816 S. Main St.,  will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The Collection Station, 250 W.L. Walden Drive, will be open normal Saturday hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Tennis Center will not be open on Saturday.

Public restrooms and drinking fountains in City parks remain closed through Monday.

Water leaks and repairs

For water leaks due to frozen pipes, please email Customer Care at leak@georgetown.org. To speed the repair process through Feb. 18, permits will not be needed for property owners making minor plumbing repairs due to water leaks caused by freezing temperatures this week.

Utility outages

Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) continues to report sufficient generation in the state to meet the high demand as a result of cold temperatures.

If you are experiencing an electric or water outage and are a City of Georgetown customer, please first refer to our online outage maps to confirm we know about your outage. If you don’t see your location included in the outage, please call 512-930-3640. Please note calls may take longer to connect with the City’s outage system.

Many Georgetown residents may not have City electric. Other area providers include:

Oncor: stormcenter.oncor.com

PEC: outages.pec.coop

Personal safety

Georgetown residents should avoid travel if possible and exercise caution while driving. Look for icy spots on roads as water refreezes in the evening and overnight hours. Visit drivetexas.org for road conditions.

Residents are encouraged to drip their faucets to help prevent damage to water pipes. In the event of frozen pipes, people should turn off their water at the main shut-off valve.

The City is working with The Caring Place and the Ministerial Alliance to provide after-hours assistance in the form of emergency hotel stay vouchers for those needing shelter when temperatures are 32 degrees or below, or the temperature is 35 degrees or below and it is raining. Vouchers are limited.

During business hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday), people can call The Caring Place at 512-943-0700 and follow the prompts for basic needs assistance.

If someone needs assistance after-hours, and all other options have been exhausted, they can call the Police non-emergency line at 512-930-3510.

Curative COVID-19 testing site

The COVID-19 testing site located at 707 S. Martin Luther King Jr. St. (near the Georgetown Public Library) will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday for same-day molecular NAAT tests.

To schedule a same-day molecular NAAT test, which provides results in fewer than four hours, click here.

City response

Street crews continue to apply deicer treatment to bridges and the roads as needed. However, many icy spots remain since temperatures will remain below freezing  tonight and tomorrow morning.

City staff have taken several steps to improve the resiliency of our utility infrastructure as a result of last year’s winter storm. For this storm, staff have placed generators at key City water facilities and are increasing water tank capacities to summer peak-demand levels.

Forecast

Electricity

As of Friday afternoon, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) continues to report sufficient generation in the state to meet the high demand as a result of the storm. ERCOT, the Texas energy grid operator, issued a winter weather watch in effect Feb. 2-6 due to the winter weather. In the news release on Feb. 2, ERCOT, “projects to have sufficient generation to meet the high demand for electricity.”

There is a chance for isolated or sporadic power outages due to ice and gusty winds. However, the City has taken steps to reduce the chance of outages on the Georgetown electric system related to equipment or power lines. Click here to read more about our winter-weather resiliency efforts.

If you are experiencing an outage, please first refer to our online outage maps to confirm we know about your outage. If you don’t see your location included in the outage, please call 512-930-3640 to report it. Please note calls may take longer to connect with the City’s outage system.

Many Georgetown residents may not have City electric. Other area providers include:

Oncor: https://stormcenter.oncor.com/

PEC: https://outages.pec.coop/dmsoutagemap/default.html

Water

There is a risk for damage to exposed pipes during this hard freeze, especially across the Hill Country. When water freezes, it expands and can burst the pipe.

You can help prevent damage to your own pipes by letting your faucets drip during extended periods of freezing temperatures. Leaving cabinet doors open in areas of water pipes can also help.

In the event of frozen pipes, it’s recommended that you turn off your water at the main shut-off valve to prevent additional damage when the pipes unfreeze. To learn how to find and operate your main shut-off valve, click here.

Generators have been placed at key City water facilities that were out during winter storm Uri. All equipment has been winterized. All water tanks are being taken up to high, summer peak-demand levels.

Roads

City Response

Parks and Recreation

• • Crews winterized and closed restrooms and water fountains Wednesday morning. Park restrooms and fountains will remain closed until Monday. Anti-icing liquid will be applied at recreation facilities as necessary. Some facilities will open at noon Saturday. Click here for more information regarding recreation facility closings.

Police and Fire

• • Patrol is at full staff with additional officers ready to assist as needed.
  • All fire and EMS have tire chains. Additional four-wheel drive units are on standby.

Resources

Shelter

A risk for hypothermia exists for those spending extended time outdoors and not dressed in layers and gloves.

The City is working with The Caring Place and the Ministerial Alliance to provide after-hours assistance in the form of emergency hotel stay vouchers for those needing shelter when temperatures are 32 degrees or below, or the temperature is 35 degrees or below and it is raining. Vouchers are limited.

During business hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday), please call The Caring Place at 512-943-0700 and follow the prompts for basic needs assistance and someone will return your call.

If you need assistance after-hours, and all other options have been exhausted, please call the Police Non-Emergency Line at 512-930-3510.

Additionally, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has opened a warming and charging center at 508 S. Rock Street in Georgetown for those without power.

Animal care

People need to bring their pets inside when temperatures and wind-chill dip below freezing, because pets are in danger from hypothermia and frostbite. Georgetown animal control officers have been responding to several reports of dogs being left outside for long periods of time.

When temperatures are above freezing again, dogs and cats can be left outside if you make sure to provide a dry, draft-free shelter that is a) small enough to hold body heat and b) large enough for the animals to lie down. The housing also should have supplemental bedding or auxiliary heat and protection from wind and rain.

Report pets in the Georgetown city limits who are not being properly sheltered to animal control at 512-930-3510, ext. 6. Outside the city limits, contact Williamson County Animal Control at 512-864-8332.

Weather Updates

• Sign up with WarnCentralTexas.org to receive emergency weather updates.
• Weather maps and current forecasts can be found on the Austin/San Antonio National Weather Service.

Road Conditions

• Check road conditions at atxfloods.com/closures or drivetexas.org before traveling.

Local Outages

• Click here to check for outages in the Georgetown service area.
• For additional information on what you can do during an outage, visit the Red Cross Power Outage.

 City Social Media 

Follow us on social media for updates on this weather event and other important information.

• Facebook
• Twitter

 Other

• Now is a good time to update the contact information on your utility account. Click here to find out how and make sure we are able to contact you in case of an emergency.
• Have a family emergency plan. Click here to start.
• The risk for hypothermia exists for those spending extended amounts of time outdoors. Make sure you have dressed appropriately in layers, hats, and gloves: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather#safe
• Protect people, pets, plants, & pipes: https://bit.ly/2Jx3SJ7

Update, March 10: The City Council at the March 9 meeting approved a one-time, automatic, $10 credit for all Georgetown water customers for dripping faucets in response to the winter storm in February.

Click any of the links below to be taken to that section of the updates.

1. Disaster relief resources guide
2. How will the storm affect my electric bill?
3. Winter storm leak adjustment request
4. Tree limb collection
5. Permits for winter storm damage repairs
6. Water/electric outages
7. Solid waste and recycling collection
8. Disaster Declarations
9. Other service providers in Georgetown

Questions about the winter storm and the City’s recovery efforts? Check out the Georgetown winter storm FAQ

Disaster Relief Resources for Winter Storm Uri

The City of Georgetown has developed a Disaster Relief Resources for Winter Storm Uri page with information about available resources, including:

• Local resources: General, food, mental health, transportation, unemployment benefits, utilities, renters/homeowners, local aid organizations, City services
• State/federal resources: disaster relief, Texas Health and Human Services, Public Utility Commission
• Damage assessment information

How will the recent winter storm affect my electric bill?

Georgetown rates will not change, but you could see higher bills due to usage.

While it is true that the wholesale price of power increased exponentially for all Texas electric utilities during February’s extreme weather, City of Georgetown electric customers will see no difference in their electric rates at this time. At the direction of City Council, the City of Georgetown plans to take out a $47.8 million loan, to be paid by electric revenue over 10 years, to cover our wholesale power bill from the storm. Any changes will be communicated publicly through this website, other City communications channels, and the media.

If your electric bill is higher than normal for this time of year, it’s likely due to how much energy you used during the storm. Heating your home during cold weather uses a significant amount of energy, even more so if you experienced outages and needed to reheat your home. We know some of those outages were in response to ERCOT’s requirements to protect the statewide electric grid from collapsing. We have multiple options to help you pay your electric bill, such as funding assistance through partner agencies and in-house customer programs you may qualify for.

Go here for more detail on what happened and answers to frequently asked questions about the situation.

2021 Winter storm leak adjustment request

During the recent severe winter weather event, the City asked all water customers to drip their faucets for an extended period of time in an effort to limit pipe damage. To show our appreciation, and cover the associated costs, the City Council has approved a one-time water-utility credit of $10 for Georgetown residential and commercial water customers. This credit will appear on the first utility bill you receive after March 15, 2021.

Tree limb collection

Crews contracted by the City of Georgetown have been collecting tree limbs and natural debris since Feb. 24 for residents who live in Georgetown city limits. Tree limb collection should be completed this week, March 15-19.

Click here to find out more.

Permits for winter storm damage repairs

The City of Georgetown’s Building Inspections Department will be working with homeowners and businesses during the next month to assess damage from the Feb. 10-21 winter weather event.

From Feb. 20-March 23, the City will assess each repair situation reported by customers to determine if a permit is required. Permits are required when multiple water pipes are broken since those damages can affect the integrity of the plumbing system and fixtures. The City is waiving permit fees on a case-by-case basis during this month-long assessment period.

Property owners are not required to request a permit for emergency repairs, such as replacing a hose bib or a short section of pipe (5 feet or less).

If more repairs need to be done, a remodel permit must be retained. A remodel permit is 42 cents per square foot. Permits are still required for repairs to gas lines or gas systems.

Visit permits.georgetown.org for more information and updates.

Water/electric outages

If you are experiencing a water or electric outage, please check our outage map. If your outage is not shown, please call 512-930-3640 and select option 1 for “electric/water/sewer emergency” to be transferred to the outage-reporting phone system. If you can’t get through via phone, you can email customercare@georgetown.org. The call center operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Calls received after hours are routed to the control center.

Solid waste and recycling collection

Texas Disposal Systems resumed normal collection of landfill trash and recycling on Monday, Feb. 22. Please put your carts curbside on your normal collection day.

Extra recycling can be placed in cardboard boxes next to your recycling cart.

TDS is processing several tons more waste than typical as a result of the storm. If your pickup was missed or you have other questions, please call 512-930-1715.

The Transfer Station, 250 W.L. Walden Drive, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for Georgetown utility customers to drop off brushy debris and recycling. Customers should bring a utility bill and matching ID.  Recyclables drop-off is free of charge.

Disaster declarations

The City of Georgetown issued a disaster declaration on Feb. 14 due to the winter storm. City Council extended the declaration until March 23, 2021, at a special-called meeting at 2 p.m. Feb. 21 via Zoom. Staff continues to work with other cities, Williamson County, and regional partners to coordinate the response to this event.

The disaster declaration allows the City to request resources from the county, state, and federal government in responding to the winter storm. Resources could include sheltering needs, cleanup assistance, or emergency response. The disaster declaration is the legal mechanism to seek reimbursement for these expenses. The disaster declaration also authorizes the mayor to effect actions such as evacuations, altering transportation routes, establishing a curfew, suspending deadlines in city ordinances, and other measures to protect life and secure property in an emergency.

The disaster declaration is not the same as the Drought Contingency Plan, which authorizes the City to enact water use restrictions in order to provide for basic domestic use and fire flow.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster declaration Feb. 12.

President Joseph Biden issued a federal disaster declaration Feb. 14.

Other service providers in Georgetown

Cable/Internet/Phone: Suddenlink

Gas: Atmos Energy

Electric: Oncor, Pedernales Electric Cooperative

Restrictions on nonessential use of water were lifted at noon Feb. 23 for all City of Georgetown water customers. The City’s water has recovered storage capacity and returned to normal operations following the winter storm, allowing the City to lift the restrictions early.

The restrictions lift at noon to gavecommercial businesses affected by the restrictions, like carwashes, time to staff for the day and ensure they open at the same time, so as not to give businesses an unfair advantage.

“We are so grateful for everyone’s hard work limiting water use the past few days. Our water system recovered much quicker than anticipated, and we have returned to normal operations,” City Manager David Morgan said. “The water and power outages many of our customers experienced during and after the winter storm last week were extremely challenging on all of us. The strength and goodwill you showed your neighbors and our crews working around the clock truly helped us all get through this.”

Water uses such as irrigation, washing vehicles, adding water to a pool, and industrial uses are permitted once the restrictions lift. However, leaving irrigation systems off and limiting other outdoor uses are still encouraged.

Restrictions on outdoor water use started at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 and initially were scheduled to lift at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 24. The restrictions were put in place to allow the City’s water system time to recover from the effects of the subfreezing temperatures and power outages last week.

All boil water notices have been lifted for Georgetown water customers. The last boil water notice was lifted Monday after samples indicated that state drinking water standards were met.

The City of Georgetown enacted Stage 3 of the Drought Contingency Plan at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 for all its customers, because the recent ice storm created a demand for water that exceeded the supply, and severe conservation measures are required to maintain the ability to provide the proper level of service.