No environmental issues expected after heavy rain causes wastewater overflows

Heavy rain Sunday evening contributed to several wastewater overflows from the City of College Station's wastewater collection system. City crews cleaned and disinfected the affected areas on Monday.

No environmental issues are expected since the heavy rain and runoff diluted the wastewater. The spills did not impact the City of College Station's drinking water system.

Water Services estimates that a combined 500,000 gallons overflowed at the Carter Creek Wastewater Plant (2200 North Forest Parkway), 4040 State Highway 6 South, 2221 Emerald Parkway, and 2418 Texas Avenue South. The wastewater flowed into natural drainage systems and ultimately into Carter Creek.

Wastewater spills of any size should be reported immediately to College Station Utilities Dispatch at 855-528-4278 (4CSU). This number is monitored 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Although no known private drinking water supply wells are within ½ mile of the overflows, because the overflows are estimated to be over 100,000 gallons, the City of College Station offers the following precautionary statements:

• Persons using private drinking water supply wells located 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. 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 a public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use. (Note: there is no impact to the City of College Station's drinking water system as a result of the overflows.)

• The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill.

• 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.

For more information, contact Water Resource Coordinator Jennifer Nations at 979-764-6223 or [email protected].