Another Central Texas apartment complex to shut off water, planning for freezing temps

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Residents at the Townhomes at Double Creek in Round Rock got a notice they would be without water, as freezing temperatures are expected throughout Central Texas come Sunday.

A KXAN viewer who requested to be kept anonymous reached out and voiced concerns about the situation.

"My kids take showers, we have they use the restroom, we cook, we drink the water here," the resident said. "When I'm at work, I would like to know that my kids have running water at home."

Sandalwood Management oversees the property, it says the original notice wasn't clear and said staff will only turn water off if it drops below 20 degrees. It added that would likely only be overnight.

At least one other complex has taken this measure before, trying to prevent pipes from bursting, which KXAN reported on in 2022.

KXAN reached out to the Texas Apartment Association. It said it doesn't have a policy regarding shutting water off or preparing for winter weather. However, Building and Strengthening Tenant Action (BASTA), said it's illegal unless there's an emergency or repairs being made.

"Leaving people without water just to prevent those busted pipes shouldn't be happening," Jazmin Rivera a tenant outreach specialist with BASTA said. "People should have the right to water and to feel safe and secure in their homes...we would definitely recommend for tenants to contact 311 to get a code inspector out on the property."

While the resident at The Townhomes at Double Creek understands taking precautions since the last winter freeze did burst pipes, he just wants to make sure his family isn't without water for too long.

"I just wish they had more information for us," he said.

Sandalwood management said the property will be sending out a clarifying notice to residents, regarding more specifics on the water being shut off.