Public Works Utilities
Division Highlight
Major Repairs to Water Infrastructure
Following a resident report of low pressure, the on-call supervisor from the Distribution and Collection division of Public Works investigated and discovered a significant leak. Crews worked quickly to isolate a break in a freshwater main near the MLK bridge on the Brazos River.
Several elevated risk factors, including high river levels, pipe depth, proximity to the riverbank and substantial soil erosion presented concerns for staff and contractors who were attempting the repairs. Public Works and Infrastructure Services have worked in coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to successfully lower the level of Lake Brazos enough to facilitate repairs while maintaining safety.
The Utilities division worked in collaboration with other city departments and outside organizations, strengthening the infrastructure system and its resiliency. They reacted quickly, avoiding service interruptions and evaluating next steps to minimize public disruptions.
About Us
The Utilities division ensures safe, reliable delivery of drinking water. This includes maintaining and repairing pipes, pumps and hydrants. Clean water and proper wastewater collection are essential to public health and safety.
Find Your Watering Day
Embracing water conservation is the best way to ensure that we have enough water for our region. In Texas, the next drought could be right around the corner!
Mandatory water conservation went into effect July 1, 2024.
Waco residents have 3 watering days per week (business and residential):
- Odd-numbered addresses water Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
- Even-numbered addresses water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
- No outdoor watering on Fridays
- No outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Report violations with the MyWaco app
- Create a request (anonymously or not) and choose "Report a Possible Water Restriction Violation"
Tips for Water Conservation
- Address leaks in your home as soon as possible.
- Use a broom to clear driveways and sidewalks after mowing instead of a hose.
- Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they're full.
- Consider zeroscaping and native plants for your landscaping.
Visit the MyWaco Central Portal
Visit MyWaco Central
Get Water Quality Information
Find information about drinking water quality, treatment plants and future water planning.
Visit the Water Division of Infrastructure Services
Report a Water Issue or Sewer Backup
To report water emergencies, call MyWaco Central at (254) 299-2489 (CITY)
For non-emergency concerns, report issues using the MyWaco app.
Report a problem
Tips for Avoiding a Sewer Backup
A sewer backup or overflow occurs when there's a blockage in the sewer lines. Here are a few ways to avoid blockages (and expensive repairs!)
- Collect grease in a container and put it in the garbage once it's cooled. Or you can take the grease to any of our Cooking Oil Drop-Off Stations.
- Don't put food down the drain. Scrape plates and pots into the garbage or start a compost pile. Get more info about composting!
- Only flush water, bodily waste and toilet paper. Items like diapers, feminine hygiene products and even Q-Tips can cause overflows.
Backups can also occur when excessive rain enters the sewer system during storms. If you see an overflowing manhole, avoid the area and report it by calling (254) 299-2489 (CITY) or use the MyWaco app.