Crews work to repair the water main in Southwest Austin Tuesday afternoon.

The Austin Water Utility (AWU) has issued mandatory water restrictions for resident customers and businesses south of the Colorado River as crews continue working to repair a water main near Barton Creek Square mall in Southwest Austin.

Until further notice, AWU has banned all outdoor watering in order to maintain water pressure for drinking and fire protection concerns. Customers are asked to suspend all non-essential water use, including car washing.

It's estimated repairs will be completed by 8 a.m., Wednesday.

The incident began when a contractor struck the 54-inch main while drilling for core samples in the area near the mall Monday.

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Officials shut off the main around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The AWU said there is a 12-hour reserve of water for customers in the area. And, in order to keep reservoirs supplied during the duration of
the repair, AWU is utilizing a secondary 48-inch main.

The city said the main provides 60 percent of the drinking water for businesses and residents south of the river.

South Austin resident Nem Bryan said conserving water is not a big deal, at least for now.

"We have a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old, and they tend to eat and drink," he said.

		WATCH THE VIDEO
	Water Main Break News 8’s Karina Kling explains the situation for water customers in the area. Tuesday Evening News 8's Karina Kling shares important water restriction information for folks living south of the Colorado River.

Water is a necessity especially needed during the heat of the summer and some customers hope the odds are against them in this situation.

"If 60 percent are affected, I'd like to think we're in the 40 percent that's not and do what we can for the 60 that are," Bryan said.

In addition to the watering ban, officials remind residents and businesses with timed sprinkler systems to turn off the timer. Also, drivers are advised to avoid the 2100 block of Walsh Tarlton as crews work to repair the break.

The water main break did, however, cut off the water supply to the Chase Bank located directly behind the main.

After 4 p.m., crews said they had the pipe exposed and a repair specialist was coming in to assess the situation.

	The water main break cut off the water supply to the Chase Bank located directly behind the break.

Most likely, repairs will last well into the night, but residents and businesses can continue to drink water, shower, and use the restroom.

Essential water is still available, and there are no plans -- as of 5 p.m. Tuesday -- to cut off water entirely to anybody south of Austin, except if you work at Chase Bank.

News 8 will keep you updated on the situation.