Just as a three-day water crisis that gripped Austin earlier this month reached its crescendo, the head of the city’s nonprofit water/wastewater utility stepped down.
Greg Meszaros resigned as director of Austin Water after the city endured its third boil water notice in less than half a decade, NBC affiliate KXAN reported.
Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk confirmed Meszaros's resignation, which occurred as Austin Water faces multiple questions in relation to the purportedly delayed third boil water notice that lasted Feb. 12-15.
"Director Meszaros, the entire Austin Water Utility and I all understand the immense responsibilities to the public and know how important it is to restore and nurture the public’s faith and trust during this transition,” Cronk said, according to KXAN. “We are committed to doing all that is necessary to regain that trust. Nothing is more important to me and our organization.”
The city manager thanked Meszaros and wished him and his family the very best, according to a statement from the city.
Meszaros departed Austin Water after 15 years as its leader.
KXAN reported that someone will take Meszaros's place on an interim basis.
In addition to Meszaros’s exit, three Austin Water employees were put on administrative leave as an investigation searches for answers into the events at the Ulrich Water Treatment Plant.
The Austin City Council held a special meeting in which it gave Austin Water the opportunity to address the boil water notice.
Representatives from the utility told councilmembers that a staff error likely caused a system failure at Ulrich, ABC affiliate KVUE reported.
According to the station, Meszaros during the meeting said he was “just profoundly sorry” for what he labelled an “unacceptable” event.
"I know it was painful and difficult coming on top of all the other events that not only we have had ... but the pandemic and everything else that the community has been struggling with,” he said, KVUE reported. "I am sorry that the community suffered."
City leaders have called for further action and accountability to prevent a repeat of the boil water notice.