Austin Water Responds to a Reclaimed Water Main Break Near Stassney Lane

AUSTIN – Austin Water responded to a reclaimed water main break on Thursday, Sept. 10, near 5951 E. Stassney Lane. Crews completed repairs at approximately 3 a.m. this morning on Friday, Sept. 11. The community's drinking water supply is not affected and remains safe.

Approximately 574,000 gallons of reclaimed water leaked from a reclaimed water main in a nonresidential area. The reclaimed water reached a nearby tributary which then flowed into Williamson Creek near the north end of Jimmy Clay Golf Course. Austin Water has notified the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

About Reclaimed Water:

Reclaimed water is treated wastewater that would otherwise be discharged into the Colorado River. Reclaimed water is distributed via Austin Water's Purple Pipe system for non-drinking uses such as irrigation, toilets and industrial cooling. Reclaimed water is clear, odorless and harmless to humans through normal contact and meets all state and federal requirements for non-drinking use.

As a precaution, Austin Water advises:

• Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within a half-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, before discontinuing distillation or boiling.
• Persons who purchase water from another 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 spill, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.