Barry Rose Water Reclamation Facility in Pearland experiences wastewater overflow

About 150,000 gallons of domestic wastewater overflowed at the Barry Rose Water Reclamation Facility in Pearland the morning of April 21.

The spill is estimated to have happened between 6:15- 8 a.m. at the facility, located at 1902 Barry Rose Road, Pearland, according to a news release shared by the city of Pearland.

The spill is being attributed to a delayed alarm notification caused by a power surge at the facility following the storms the morning of April 21. According to the release, staff were able to contain the spill to the facility's grounds so it would not impact Clear Creek.

The impacted area is restricted to the reclamation facility. The untreated wastewater is being pumped back into the facility, and property grounds are being disinfected by staff to remove any potential contamination according to the release.

In the release, the city of Pearland recommended residents avoid contact with waste material, soil or water potentially affected by the spill. The release also advised the public to bathe and wash their clothes as soon as possible if they encounter water or soil affected by the spill.

In February 2022, the Pearland City Council moved forward with a contract update for the facility’s expansion due to state-mandated deadlines and aged infrastructure.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality mandates a construction planning process must begin for wastewater plants when they reach 75% capacity, which the Barry Rose facility has reached, according to city officials.