High water conditions loom on the horizon as Breckenridge residents continue to recover from Monday’s fatal floods.
City Manager Andy McCuistion says Hubbard Creek Reservoir almost full and still rising. The Water District has opened eight flood gates and they plan to open four more by the end of the day.
Once the lake is full, creeks that flow into Hubbard Creek Reservoir will begin to rise out of its banks and flood, according to McCuistion.
More rain is in the forecast for the rest of the week, which would add to the already dangerous high water conditions around town.
Twenty-two Breckenridge residents have already been rescued from their vehicles and evacuated from their homes, and one resident lost her life due to the floods. Her identity will not be released until the City receives permission from the next of kin.
The City of Breckenridge is also out of water after the both the water treatment plant and the wastewater treatment plant were washed out of the floods.
The water towers ran dry Monday evening, and residents had to rely on outside sources for water. Area fire departments handed out drinking water in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church, and McCuistion says the Home Depot in Abilene and the Salvation Army in the Metroplex are expected to bring more water on Tuesday.
Water has been restored to certain parts of Breckenridge, but the entire City is currently under a boil water notice.
McCuision claims there was an issue setting up the water treatment substation, but it is now operating and filling the groundwater storage. He believes residents should have access to non-potable drinking water for showering and restroom use soon.
(Information from BigCountryHomepage.com)
