Heavy Rainfall Affects Operations At Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant In Austin
Approximately, 830,000 gallons of wastewater was rerouted through the plant to receive preliminary treatment, primary treatment and disinfection.
AUSTIN, TX – Heavy rainfall has caused higher levels of flood water to enter the City’s wastewater collection system served by the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 7113 FM 969.
Approximately, 830,000 gallons of wastewater was rerouted through the plant to receive preliminary treatment, primary treatment and disinfection.
The partially treated wastewater accounted for less than 1 percent of total wastewater and was combined with fully treated wastewater prior to being discharged into the Colorado River at the permitted discharge point located near Delwau Lane.
This event has not affected Austin’s drinking water supply. Officials with the Texas Commission Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and downstream municipalities and utility districts have been notified.
Austin Water officials urge:
- Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the overflow 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.
- The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the overflow.
If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the overflow, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.
