Austin Water personnel were alerted to a sizeable wastewater spill on Tuesday morning, where an estimated 523,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater discharged from the Wildhorse Ranch Wastewater Treatment Plant in Manor, Texas. This incident was confirmed in a public notice by Austin Water. The spill, which has since been contained, made its way to a tributary of Gilleland Creek but reportedly did not impact local fish or wildlife populations.
The authorities have assured that the spill does not pose a threat to Austin’s drinking water supply. However, compliance with certain precautions is currently being urged by officials. Austin Water suggests that those within a half-mile radius of the spill site should boil or distill their water for a minimum of one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or personal hygiene. They also advise residents with private wells to have their water professionally tested and treated if needed. Cleaning efforts are vigorously underway to thoroughly address the aftermath of the spill.
Despite the spill being contained, the public is still encouraged to avoid accessing the area affected by the overflow—especially by foot or vehicle. Those who might come into accidental contact with potentially contaminated materials or water are being instructed to "bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible," as reported on the Austin Water notice.
For those seeking further assistance or details regarding the incident, Austin Water is reachable at 512-972-1000. In the meantime, to ensure the prevention of any potential health risks, individuals who purchase their water from another public supplier are recommended to verify the safety of their water for personal use with their distributor. The necessary outreach involving Austin Watershed Protection and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) ensures to closely monitor the site as aftercare procedures persist.
