West Memphis, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The West Memphis School District will remain closed in response to a boil water advisory caused by low water pressure due to malfunctioning transfer pumps. Students in the Virtual Academy can continue their classes online without interruption. Local officials have urged residents to restrict water usage and boil water before consumption while testing continues to ensure water safety. An Extreme Heat Warning is also in effect, compounding challenges for the community.
West Memphis School District to Remain Closed on August 19 Due to Boil Water Advisory
The West Memphis School District will remain closed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in response to a boil water advisory issued by local authorities. This closure follows the initial shutdown on Monday due to the same advisory, prompted by low water pressure reported at several pumping stations.
City officials issued the boil water advisory after West Memphis Utilities lost two critical transfer pumps, affecting the water system’s ability to maintain adequate pressure. In light of these challenges, citizens have been advised to restrict water usage and to boil water before consuming it to ensure safety. Local officials indicated that this advisory will continue until the issues with the transfer pumps are resolved.
Water samples from the system have been submitted for testing, but early results indicate that two samples have already failed. Further decisions regarding the reopening of schools will depend on obtaining clear test results that confirm the safety of the water supply.
Despite the closure, students enrolled in the Virtual Academy will be able to continue their online classes without interruption. The school district is working to keep families informed as the situation develops.
In addition to the boil water advisory, an Extreme Heat Warning and a Heat Advisory are currently in effect for Memphis and the surrounding Mid-South region until Tuesday evening, adding additional concerns for residents as they navigate the challenges posed by the water advisory.
Context and Impact
This boil water advisory is a precautionary measure taken by the West Memphis authorities due to recent technical failures within the cityโs water infrastructure. The loss of the two transfer pumps has resulted in a significant demand for water that the system cannot meet, leading to the low pressure detected.
In the wake of these events, West Memphis residents have been advised to carefully manage their water consumption. Officials have emphasized the necessity of boiling water before drinking or cooking to prevent potential health risks.
As the community awaits updates on the condition of water safety, residents remain focused on their immediate coping needs amidst the heat and water service disruption.
Next Steps
Officials will continue testing water samples in collaboration with state health authorities. Updates regarding the reopening of schools will be shared as soon as more information becomes available, particularly concerning the water supply’s condition.
Safety Precautions
Residents are reminded of the following safety measures during the boil water advisory:
- Boil water for at least one minute before consuming or using it for food preparation.
- Limit water use where possible to help maintain pressure in the water system.
- Stay updated on any further advisories from local authorities.
FAQs
Why is the West Memphis School District closed?
The school district is closed due to a boil water advisory caused by low water pressure in the city’s water supply system.
When will the schools reopen?
The schools will be reopened once the water testing results confirm the safety of the water supply.
Are Virtual Academy students affected by the closure?
No, students enrolled in the Virtual Academy will continue their classes without any disruptions.
What should residents do during the boil water advisory?
Residents should boil water for one minute before drinking or using it for cooking. They are also encouraged to limit their water usage.
What caused the boil water advisory?
The advisory was issued after the failure of two critical transfer pumps at the West Memphis Utilities, leading to low water pressure in the supply system.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | Tuesday, August 19, 2025 |
| Reason for Closure | Boil water advisory due to low water pressure |
| Impact on Schools | Schools closed; Virtual Academy classes continue |
| Safety Recommendations | Boil water before consumption; limit water usage |
| Testing Status | Two water samples failed; further testing ongoing |
| Extreme Weather Alert | Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory in effect |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis: West Memphis Schools Closed Due to Boil Water Advisory
- WREG: West Memphis Schools Closed Due to Water Advisory
- Local Memphis: West Memphis Boil Water Advisory
- Action News 5: West Memphis Residents Under Boil Water Advisory
- Wikipedia: Boil Water Advisory
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
