Grand Prairie found foaming agent in water supply: Here’s what to know

The city of Grand Prairie issued a warning over the water supply Tuesday night for some residents. Here’s what to know about Grand Prairie’s water problems.
The city of Grand Prairie posted on social media that a foaming agent had been detected in the city’s water supply. The post made at 9 p.m. Tuesday said crews were investigating the issue and working to isolate the affected area.
Wednesday morning, Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen said the contamination was caused by crews using a foaming agent to extinguish a fire Tuesday in the Great Southwest Industrial District. Backflow caused the contaminant to enter the water supply.
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About 60,000 people have been affected, Jensen said.
Residents north of Interstate 20 were warned in the post to avoid using the city’s water for anything other than flushing due to the presence of a foaming agent. The city released a map shading the impacted areas.
The city did not specify the type of foam found in the water. According to KnowYourH20.com, foaming agents can cause water to have a bitter and oily taste and can also cause water to have an odor and appear cloudy. High dosages can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
The city advised that its water supply should only be used for flushing. The water shouldn’t be ingested by people or pets, according to an advisory.
Community members were advised against attempting to treat the water. “Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe,” the advisory said.
Bottled water was being distributed in front of City Hall, but the city is now directing people to Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway. Residents with questions are encouraged to call 972-237-8400 and can also visit the city website at gptx.org. for updates and questions.
Late Tuesday, Grand Prairie ISD announced on social media that campuses would be closed Wednesday “out of an abundance of caution” because of the water issue.
“All morning extracurricular activities are cancelled as well,” the district said in post on Facebook. “We will resume our regular schedule on Thursday.”
The school district also canceled Wednesday’s Middle School Meet the Teacher Night, according to a social media post.
The city posted a list to its Facebook on Wednesday morning of facilities that would be closed, including Kirby Creek Natatorium, Prairie Lakes Golf Course (including Crown’s), Ruthe Jackson Center, Dalworth Recreation Center, Charley Taylor Recreation Center, Veterans Event Center, park restrooms and water fountains in the affected area.
Some Grand Prairie restaurants closed Wednesday as a result of the notice. Others, including fast food restaurants, remained open early Wednesday morning but were not serving fountain drinks.