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Aubrey Addresses Water Main Break and Winter Storm Fern Response

The City of Aubrey issued a boil water notice after a January water main break and activated emergency protocols during Winter Storm Fern.

Esme Whitman

July 5, 20262 min read

Infrastructure repair - illustration, Jake Team LLC
Infrastructure repair - illustration, Jake Team LLC

Aubrey, located approximately 10 miles north of Little Elm, has completed its response to two significant events that occurred early in 2026: a water infrastructure failure in January and the arrival of Winter Storm Fern.

In January, an unexpected break in the city’s water main prompted an immediate response from municipal crews. The incident occurred in a downtown section that had been identified for near-future pipe upgrades. Workers spent hours in cold water attempting to secure a clamp on the break, but the extent of the damage required them to pause operations until water levels receded to ensure safety.

Following the repair efforts, the city coordinated with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to issue a boil water notice for affected residents. To support the community during the advisory, the city’s Emergency Management Coordinator worked with the Denton County Office of Emergency Management. This partnership resulted in the provision of two pallets of bottled water. The city subsequently distributed an additional ten pallets to residents. Staff and firefighters assisted in coordinating and handing out the water supplies.

The boil water notice was lifted only after water levels in the nearby Faulkner Water Tower were restored and the city received official confirmation that water test results indicated the supply was safe. The city stated it followed proper testing procedures to ensure water safety after the break.

Shortly after the water incident, Winter Storm Fern approached the area. The city activated its mission-critical team to prepare infrastructure and essential operations for the incoming weather. Officials noted that the city has been refining its winter storm response plans based on experiences from recent years.

Public works teams remained on standby throughout the storm, with many staff members sleeping in their offices to ensure rapid response capabilities. Aubrey experienced sleet rather than snow, which led to roadway concerns due to prolonged extreme cold and repeated refreezing. Police, fire, and public works personnel monitored road conditions daily. When temperatures allowed, crews applied treatments to improve road safety, though persistent cold made progress difficult.

After temperatures rose above freezing, public works crews spent full days clearing snow and ice mixtures from major intersections and municipal building parking lots. They also assisted citizens with frozen pipes. Senior staff held daily calls to address problem areas, and the Emergency Management Coordinator tested generators on vital infrastructure systems daily. First responders and public works staff remained on call for more than 70 hours, rotating through shifts to manage the aftermath of the storm.

Source: aubreytx.gov.

Sources

https://aubreytx.gov/civicalerts.aspx

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Esme Whitman

Esme Whitman covers weather, storms, and seasonal life around Little Elm.

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