WACO, Texas — An "unauthorized discharged" caused over 55,000 gallons of domestic sewage to escape the City of Waco Wastewater Collection System around 6 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, according to city officials.
Around 9 a.m. the same day over 300,000 gallons of wastewater escaped from the City of Temple Wastewater Collection System.
Officials from both cities said the spills were likely the result of heavy rains flooding the collection systems.
Two of the three spill locations in Waco reportedly flowed into Lake Waco. The third affected a manhole and its surrounding area.
Because Waco's wastewater collection system is separate from its drinking water system, officials said there is no boil water notice.
"The City of Waco has no reason to believe drinking water distributed by the City of Waco has been compromised or affected in any way," city officials wrote in a statement.
In Temple about 237,450 gallons spilled into the Lion's Park area, and around 92,440 gallons leaked at 2505 Westwood Rd..
The City of Temple said the event didn't harm Temple’s public water supply. City of Temple residents should not experience any interruption of water services, according to officials.
In both cities the public is advised to avoid contact with waste material, soil or water in areas potentially affected by the spill-- anyone who does experience contact should bathe and wash their clothes as thoroughly and as soon as possible.
Officials said the spills will likely continue until the lake's water levels recede.
