Press Release Form the Mayor 1/21/2025

PRESS RELEASE

Good afternoon. A boil water notice was just issued by the Marlin Public Works Department as part of its protocol when pressure in the towers is below 22 psi. You might recall, last week the City of Marlin issued Stage 5 water conservation measures in order to conduct preemptive maintenance repairs at the water plant. To conduct the preemptive maintenance, the plant had to fully stop operations and could only do so if the water towers, here in Marlin, were full. The hopes for the preemptive repairs were not realized due to a number of water leaks in the system. To be accurate, there are presently 13 water leaks affecting our water distribution system. Please be assured that each of the leaks are in process of being repaired by the City of Marlin’s public works staff as well as staff from the City of Rosebud; the Texas Department of Emergency Management; and other public and private partners. These leaks are the result of years of failure to update and replace water distribution pipes together with the present inclement weather. Citizens of Marlin, I have been in constant communications and meeting with our state and federal representatives to address this issue. As you know, without state and/or federal financial assistance, the City of Marlin is unable to afford to replace the water distribution system. Further, without additional water sources such as the Brushy Creek reservoir, the City of Marlin will continue to face water shortages in the future. Accordingly, I request each of you to reach out to our state and federal representatives to request assistance for the City of Marlin’s water issues, both distribution and source. You, the voting citizens, successfully voted for Proposition 6 in November 2023, which set aside over One Billion Dollars specifically for the water issues Marlin is facing: rural distribution replacement and new water sources. These funds should be made available to the City on an expediated basis. I know it is frustrating to have low or no water pressure. I live in Marlin, and I experience the same water issues as you and I can assure you, I am equally or more frustrated. If you have not already signed up for the emergency notification process for the City, I urge you to do so. Updates will be provided as soon as I am informed. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Susan Byrd , Mayor of Marlin