Heavy rain leads to City of Dallas sewer overflows

COD - Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2018

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Zachary Peoples – Dallas Water Utilities
(214) 670-3145

Heavy rain leads to City of Dallas sewer overflows

Dallas Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) today reported that recent heavy rainfall has caused sanitary sewer overflows at several locations throughout the City. Three primary drainage basins exceeded 100,000 gallons. 

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires the City to notify the public and all appropriate government officials of any overflows that exceed 100,000 gallons in a single drainage basin.

DWU Assistant Director Zachary Peoples stressed that none of the overflows of diluted wastewater have affected the City’s water supply.

“The overflows were primarily caused by inflow and infiltration of storm water into the City of Dallas wastewater collection system,” Peoples said. DWU crews are monitoring and performing cleanup at each overflow location. A list of the individual overflow locations within the affected drainage basins is attached.

Although there is no danger to the water supply, the public is reminded to avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in any of the affected areas. If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spills, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly. Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within half-mile of the spill 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 a public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.