A city in Central Texas is warning residents to avoid water from the San Gabriel River after a significant wastewater line rupture led to contamination concerns.
According to an official statement from the City of Georgetown, Water Utility crews discovered a wastewater overflow while inspecting the Wolf Ranch lift station at around 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5. The investigation revealed that a major 42-inch wastewater line had failed.
The damaged line runs through the south fork of the San Gabriel River, approximately a quarter mile west of Interstate 35 and behind the Wolf Ranch Shopping Center.
Officials say the cause of the break has not yet been determined. The incident has been reported to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and an estimated 100,000 gallons or more of wastewater may have entered the river.
Residents who rely on private wells within a half-mile radius of the spill site are being advised to distill or boil their water at a rolling boil for at least one minute before any use, including drinking, cooking, bathing, or brushing teeth. These wells will need to be tested and treated, if necessary, before the water is deemed safe again.
Those who receive water from a public supply are encouraged to contact their water provider to confirm safety. City officials emphasized that Georgetown’s municipal water system has not been affected by the spill.
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“I want to reassure our water customers that our water remains safe for consumption,” said Georgetown City Manager David Morgan. “Please avoid the area and river water through the San Gabriel and Blue Hole parks while we work to isolate and repair the wastewater line.”
City officials are also urging residents to stay away from any wastewater, soil, or river water that may have been impacted. Anyone who comes into contact with potentially contaminated material should bathe thoroughly and wash their clothing as soon as possible.
In an update issued Wednesday, Jan. 7, the city said crews had successfully isolated the damaged line and installed a dam in the river’s south fork. These steps will allow repairs to begin, along with an investigation into the root cause and an assessment of environmental damage.
The city confirmed that all previously issued water-use precautions remain in effect and said another update is expected later this week. Portions of the South San Gabriel River Trail remain closed due to the incident.
