Some Houston Residents Advised to Boil Water After Sewage Overflows

HOUSTON, TX — Untreated wastewater flowed into three Houston bayous after yesterday's flooding, the City of Houston said.

The 69th Street Wastewater Plant, which is located at 2525 Southwest Sergeant Macario Garcia Drive, was the site of the incident, according to a statement from the city.

City officials said that the untreated sewage was released from the facility into Halls Bayou near Interstate 59 at Parker Road; into Buffalo Bayou near the University of Houston Downtown; and into White Oak Bayou near Interstate 45 at Wrightwood Street.

Crews were working at the plant overnight Wednesday.

City officials released the following information and guidelines for affected residents:

* Residents using private drinking water supply wells located within half-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.

* 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.

If you have questions or concerns about your drinking water, call 311.

— Image courtesy Wikipedia Commons/FEMA