AUSTIN — Austin Water estimates that 100,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed into a tributary of Walnut Creek on Friday after a lift station malfunctioned.
Officials said the overflow reached a remote area approximately three-quarters of a mile southeast of Ed Bluestein Boulevard and FM 969 in Austin. Crews were able to repair the malfunction and stop the overflow.
Austin's water supply was not affected and remains safe, Austin Water said. Officials said initial assessments and subsequent monitoring verified that public health and safety and the environment were not affected either.
Austin Water said its employees will continue to work with the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department to monitor the tributary. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has also been notified.
Austin Water urges:
- Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within a half 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.
- 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.
