Austin Water responds to wastewater spill

During cleanup, crews determined the spill had traveled downstream to the Cameron Road crossing, where a fish kill was observed.

Austin Water reported the incident to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and said it is coordinating with Austin Watershed Protection to assess environmental impacts. Crews will continue cleanup and restoration efforts until the affected area is fully restored.

As a precaution, officials advised property owners along the creek to keep livestock and pets away from the water until restoration is complete. The spill did not affect Austin’s public drinking water supply, officials said.

Health officials advise residents who rely on private drinking water wells within a half-mile of the spill or in potentially affected areas to use only distilled water or water boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for drinking, cooking, bathing and brushing teeth.

Private well owners were advised to have their water tested and disinfected, if necessary, before resuming normal use.

The public was also advised to avoid contact with contaminated water, soil or waste material in the area and to bathe and wash clothing thoroughly if contact occurs.

Gilleland Creek runs 27 miles from northwest of Pflugerville to the Colorado River.