Wastewater Spill Along Buffalo Bayou Spawns Boil Water Notice In Some Places

HOUSTON, TX — Hurricane Harvey still won't go away from the Bayou City, and this time it's homes in West Houston that got affected by a huge wastewater spill. The Buffalo Bayou (South bank) embankment collapsed post-flooding from Hurricane Harvey to cause the structural failure of a 150-foot section of 42-inch diameter, gravity fed, sanitary sewer pipe. In turn, the estimated volume of released wastewater is greater than 300,000 gallons.

The affected area of the untreated domestic sewer is Buffalo Bayou near 9602 Longmont, including at least 300 feet downstream. Houston’s drinking water remains safe.

Houston Public Works is closely monitoring the situation and installing a by-pass pump to continue to provide wastewater service to customers until permanent repairs can be made. Access to the area is difficult and the ground is unstable due to storm damage, which makes repairs complex.

As of Thursday at 11 a.m., the estimated volume of released wastewater is greater than 300,000 gallons. Appropriate local governmental officials and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) have been notified.

TCEQ requires this mandatory notification and the information below

Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within half a mile from 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. The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill. Do not swim in affected areas.

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.

Photo courtesy of the City of Houston