Extreme Heat in San Antonio Causing Water Pipes to Burst

Water pipes are bursting in Texas as demand increases in the extreme heat hitting millions across the South.

Businesses in San Antonio were forced to close Sunday as they were left without water, KENS 5 reported, as it poured onto the streets instead.

One business, the Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse, apologized to Father's Day customers unable to dine with them.

"We regret to inform you that we will be closed for the rest of the day due to a pipe breakage near The Rim. (We don’t have water in the building)," the post said. "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, particularly on a day like today - Father's Day, when so many of you had reservations and were excited to join us for dinner.

"Your understanding and patience in this matter are greatly appreciated."

A heatwave is gripping the south, with temperatures pushing past 100 degrees and prompting isolated storms in some spots.

The San Antonio Water Service is urging customers to limit water use, but with the extreme temperatures demand is up and that is putting pressure on pipes.

"San Antonio is growing, so there's certainly a lot of demand for construction and infrastructure upgrades," Lilliana Gonzalez, a Senior Communications Specialist with SAWS, told KENS 5.

"So, unfortunately, that makes us more susceptible to those types of breaks. But then also the heat that we're talking about will cause that undue stress."

SAWS says that the dry, rocky soil shifting around pipes adds to the pressure and causes breaks.

The Messenger has approached SAWS for comment.

The situation will likely continue, with the National Weather Service reporting record-breaking temperatures in San Antonio (105F) and Del Rio (109F).

Energy companies are urging residents to conserve energy usage as well as the heat keeps up.