WACO, Texas — The City of Waco is addressing an unauthorized wastewater discharge from one of its collection facilities, due to a a pump malfunction.
The wastewater discharge took place on Oct. 28, at approximately 8:45 a.m., at the City of Waco Cloice Creek Lift Station, situated at 1625 Hannah Hill Rd., Woodway.
According to officials, it was a domestic sanitary sewer type of spill. It is believed to have been approximately 144,00 gallons.
The affected area extends from 1625 Hannah Hill Rd. to Highway 84, approximately 700 feet southwest of the spill site.
According to officials, efforts have been initiated, including notifying appropriate local government officials and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Regional Office.
To contain the spill, pumps were reset, and the overflow stopped at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Oct. 28. Cleanup and disinfection of the affected area were completed by crews as of 6:00 p.m. on the same day.
The City of Waco has increased monitoring of the water supply as a precautionary measure.
Precautionary measures are advised for those downstream of the location:
- Individuals using private drinking water supply wells within ½ mile of the spill 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. Private well owners should also have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, before discontinuing distillation or boiling.
- Those purchasing water from a public water supply are encouraged to contact their water supply distributor to confirm the safety of the water for personal use.
- The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water within the area potentially affected by the spill. In the event of contact, individuals should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.