Flooding associated with the recent heavy rainfall caused an unauthorized discharge of 75,000 gallons of domestic wastewater in Fair Oaks Ranch on Wednesday.
While the city said its public drinking water system was not affected, officials said residents with private drinking water wells located within one-half mile of the spill area should boil water for at least one minute or use distilled water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and brushing teeth until their well water has been tested and determined to be safe.
The discharge occurred after significant flooding along Cibolo Creek inundated the Bottom of the Hill Lift Station, damaging electrical equipment and causing the wastewater pumps to become inoperable.
The pump failure also caused an upstream manhole at the end of Cojak Circle to back up and overflow. The affected area extends from 29745 No Le Hace Drive northeast toward Cibolo Creek.
City officials Thursday said floodwaters covering the lift station and manhole made containment of the discharge futile.
City crews will begin cleanup of visible debris as soon as floodwaters recede and the area is safe to enter. Water distribution samples in the vicinity of the spill will also be collected and tested when conditions allow.
In a statement issued by the city, officials said the city’s public drinking water system has not been affected and continues to meet all Texas Commission on Environmental Quality drinking water standards. Residents who purchase water from a public water supply, the release said, may want to contact their water supply provider to determine if the water is safe for personal use.
The city’s statement offered these precautions:
• Avoid contact with floodwater, soil, or standing water in the affected area.
• Avoid entering or fishing in Cibolo Creek until further notice.
• Wash thoroughly with soap and water and launder clothing if contact with potentially contaminated water or soil occurs.
