More than 100,000 gallons of sewage have poured into a Texas river. Now, officials are warning to avoid the water. You should stay away from the San Gabriel River.
Officials confirmed a wastewater line broke leaking sewage into the river. City of Georgetown Water Utility crews discovered the issue. They had been investigating the Wolf Ranch lift station. According to an official press release, they found wastewater overflow. Further investigation led crews to conclude the sewage line had failed.
They wrote, "Operators have seen signs of untreated wastewater at the immediate location and downstream of the wastewater line break. As a result, a section of the South San Gabriel River Trail has been closed to pedestrians, and the public should avoid contact with the water through San Gabriel Park, including in Blue Hole Park. An emergency crew was immediately dispatched, and emergency repairs are ongoing."
Sewage In The River
What caused the break is unknown. But the wastewater line runs through the south fork of the San Gabriel River. Officials estimate that more than 100,000 gallons of sewage have contaminated the Texas river. If you have a private well within a half mile of the spill, you should boil or distill your water. This applies also to water you bathe with as well. You should plan to have your well tested and treated if necessary.
"I want to reassure our water customers that our water remains safe for consumption," said Georgetown City Manager David Morgan. "Please avoid the area and river water through the San Gabriel and Blue Hole parks while we work to isolate and repair the wastewater line."
Utility crews have dammed off the section of the river so they can begin repairing the wastewater line and identify the damage done to it. Precautions remain in place for the time being, so stay out of the river and keep yourself safe.
