On June 12, the City of Victoria experienced heavy rainfall that caused stormwater to overflow from the City’s wastewater collection system; however, the City’s water supply was not affected because the wastewater collection system is not connected to the water distribution system.
The overflows occurred on or near City property and did not impact residential areas. However, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires the City to provide information to residents about the June 12 overflow from wastewater pipes caused by the heavy rains.
About 414,000 gallons of domestic wastewater, primarily consisting of stormwater from the rainfall, spilled from a manhole in the 1300 block of Ben Jordan Street, near the City of Victoria Public Works office.
The overflow, which began at 9:30 a.m. and ended at 2:30 p.m., was closely monitored by City crews and did not impact residential properties.
The Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and Odem Street Wastewater Treatment Plant also experienced overflows totaling 1,125,000 gallons of domestic wastewater, also primarily consisting of stormwater from the rainfall.
These overflow at the Regional WWTP began at 9 a.m. and ended at 11 a.m., and the overflow at the Odem Street WWTP began at 2 p.m. and ended at 5 p.m. Both overflows were contained on-site at the wastewater facilities and did not impact residential properties.
In addition, the City is required to share the following precautionary statements, although they do not apply to City residents in this situation:
- Persons using private drinking water supply wells (not applicable to residents using the City’s water system) 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 tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells (not applicable to residents using the City’s water system) 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. (NOTE: The City’s water supply is safe for consumption.)
- The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill. (NOTE: The City already sent crews to clean the areas after the discharge.)
- 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. (NOTE: The overflows occurred on or near City property and did not impact residential areas.)
For further information, please contact the Public Works Office at 361-485-3381.