Sewer Overflow Sends 100,000 Gallons of Wastewater into Austin, Texas, Storm Drain
A temporary dam has been set up to help contain a sewer overflow in northwest Austin, Texas.
Austin Water crews have responded to a domestic wastewater overflow from a broken force wastewater main located near 8111 N FM 620, reported Austin Water.
The force main was damaged from a utility contractor working the area and contractor crews are working to repair the damage.
Over 100,000 gallons of wastewater have spilled into a commercial storm drain and the temporary dam and pumps to collect the spilled wastewater.
The overflow was discovered at about 5:56 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2021 and was contained at about 7:00 a.m. Sept. 25. Repairs have been completed and Austin Water crews will continue to work in the area performing recovery and hauling until the cleanup is complete.
Austin Water has confirmed that the overflow has not affected Austin’s drinking water supply and officials with the Texas Commission Environmental Quality have been notified of the situation.
According to Austin Water officials:
- Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the overflow site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing;
- Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling;
- Persons who purchase water from another public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use;
- The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the overflow; And
- If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spill, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.
