BELL COUNTY, Texas — The City of Temple and Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 have reported more sewer overflows as a result of the rainfall that thoroughly drenched the area on Thursday.
The overflow is the seventh that has occurred in Temple since January.
The following areas were reported to have had water overflow:
- 3550 Southwest H K Dodgen Loop in Temple
- 2006 South 65th Street in Temple
- 2003 Birdcreek Terrace in Temple
- 2401 South 61st Street in Temple
- 201 South 38th Street in Killeen
- The Avenue G and 28th Street intersection in North Killeen
All of the water overflow locations in Temple flowed to Bird Creek, according to the city.
Both the City of Temple and BCWDID1 say the affected areas have been cleaned and disinfected.
As of 7 a.m. on Friday, the city of Temple estimates that 1.19 million gallons of mostly stormwater have overflowed, while the BCWDID1 estimates their two combined overflows total about 809,000 gallons.
The City of Temple says "a capital project is underway to resolve this recurring issue."
The TCEQ recommends the following things as precautionary measures:
- Those using private water drinking supply wells within half a mile of the spill site or in the potentially affected area are recommended to use distilled water or to boil the water for at least one minute
- Those who purchase water from a public water supply to contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use
- Members of the public to avoid contact with waste material, soil or water in the area potential affected by the spill
- For those that do come into contact with waste material, soil or water possibly affected by the spill, to bathe and wash their clothes as thoroughly as soon as possible
The city of Temple says its water system is unaffected, and they alongside the Bell County Water Control Improvement District No. 1 (BCWCID1) state that the TCEQ has been notified of both overflows.