Wastewater Spills After Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds

May 17, 2024

Intense, heavy rainfall combined with high winds and widespread power outages resulted in the spill of domestic wastewater greater than 100,000 gallons at the following locations:

• 308 Washington Ave at Milam Street


• 1 Main Street at Girard Street


• Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant at 625 Maxey Road

IF YOU RECEIVE YOUR DRINKING WATER FROM THE CITY OF HOUSTON, YOUR WATER IS SAFE FROM THIS SPILL AND YOU DO NOT NEED TO BOIL YOUR WATER.

Houston Public Works is closely monitoring the situation. As of May 17, 2024 at 4:30 p.m., the estimated volume of released wastewater at these locations is greater than 100,000 gallons. Appropriate local officials and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) have been notified. 

TCEQ requires this mandatory notification and the information below:

Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within ½-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 teeth 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.
 
The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill. Do not swim in affected areas.
 
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.