Sewer overflow reported in southeast Austin neighborhood, crews still cleaning

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Crews are continuing to clean up overflow from a "sanitary sewer manhole" after thousands of gallons of waste water overflowed in a southeast Austin neighborhood, Austin Water said in a news release.

More than 100,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed into a "dry tributary segment of Williamson Creek," in the 5000 block of Creek Bend Drive, the release said. That overflow was discovered around 11:53 a.m., and the agency said the overflow was stopped at 1:47 p.m.

Furthermore, Austin Water said the "tributary is typically dry, no fish were present, and the initial investigation shows that spill did not reach Williamson Creek."

Austin Water said the overflow did not affect drinking water supply, and the Texas Commission Environmental Quality (TCEQ) was notified. However, officials are urging the following listed below, as provided by the agency:

• People using private drinking water supply wells who are within a half mile of the overflow site should use water that has either been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute. The water wells should also get tested, as well as disinfected after they are no longer distilling or boiling water, according to Austin Water.
• For those who purchase water from another public water supply should contact the distributor to "determine if the water is safe for personal use," the agency said.
• The public should avoid any areas affected by the overflow. If the public comes in contact with "waste material, soil, or water in the area" that may have been affected by the overflow should bathe, as well as wash their clothes "thoroughly as soon as possible," according to Austin Water.