Austin Water Responds to Wastewater Sludge Spill Near Decker Lane and FM 969

AUSTIN – Austin Water responded to a wastewater sludge spill that occurred Monday, August 17, near the southwest corner of Decker Lane and FM 969. Crews discovered a leak on the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant’s sludge transfer line and quickly stopped the flow and began remediation of the affected area after arriving on site.

The community’s drinking water supply was not contaminated and remains safe. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has been notified.

Approximately 73,000 gallons of wastewater sludge spilled from a vault at the intersection of Decker and 969. The spill flowed into the nearby road-side storm drain and into a private pond located a short distance from the southwest corner of the intersection. The spill was contained in the pond. Crews will remain onsite until cleanup and restoration efforts are completed to the affected area.

As a precaution, Austin Water advises:

• Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-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, prior to 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.

About Austin Water

Austin Water provides safe, reliable, high quality, sustainable and affordable water services that have met the community’s needs for over 100 years. Austin Water serves over 1 million people in the Austin metropolitan area across more than 538 square miles. As Austin continues to evolve, our mission remains the same: To provide water for people and care for the environment. For more information visit austinwater.org.