Local Disaster Declared in Chester as Water Crisis Deepens

CHESTER, Texas— The ongoing water crisis in Chester has officially escalated to a local state of disaster, declared Friday by Mayor Robert E. Poynter following the catastrophic failure of the town’s water system.

The breakdown has left dozens of families without access to clean drinking water, sanitation, or basic hygiene — conditions Mayor Poynter described as “threatening public health and safety.”

“Our community is facing a crisis. Families are boiling rainwater, relying on bottled water donations, and struggling to maintain basic sanitation,” said Poynter. “We are calling on state and federal partners to help us restore safe water access immediately.”

The declaration activates emergency protocols and opens the door for assistance from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and other agencies. Immediate needs include:

Emergency water distribution

• Technical support to assess and repair the water system.

• Disaster recovery funding and infrastructure aid.

• Water Distribution & Conservation Efforts.

Tyler County Emergency Management has urged Chester residents to limit water use to essential purposes only, such as drinking and cooking. Non-essential activities, including lawn watering and car washing, are strongly discouraged.

Free bottled water is being distributed this weekend (Sept. 19–21) at the Tyler County Emergency Management Office, 201 Veterans Way in Woodville, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Residents are asked to bring a photo ID for pickup.

Reporting Issues & Staying Informed

Residents should report water-related concerns to Waterboard Ray McKnight at 936-969-2360 or Mayor Robert Poynter at 281-661-0035. Updates will be shared on Chester’s official website and through local social media pages, including Chester City Hall, Chester Chat, and the Chester Texas Community Forum.

The Chester Water Supply Corp has said it will issue a rescind notice once the system is confirmed safe, but for now the boil water notice remains in effect for customers on the Barnum Plant.