TEMPLE, Texas — The City of Temple issued a public notification concerning significant sewer overflows from its collection system, triggered by heavy rainfall that overloaded the sewer system.
The City of Temple's drinking water system remains unaffected.
On Thursday, May 23, at approximately 10 a.m., a sanitary sewer overflow started near 2009 Birdcreek Terrace and 2006 S 65th St., affecting the Bird Creek area on both the north and south sides of SW H K Dodgen Loop.
As of 7 a.m. on Friday, May 24, the combined overflows totaled an estimated 627,000 gallons, mainly consisting of stormwater. These overflows remain ongoing.
To address this recurring issue, a capital project is currently in progress. City of Temple utility crews are actively engaged in cleaning and disinfecting the affected areas. Additionally, chlorine has been positioned at the overflow sources, with dechlorination efforts underway in the receiving stream. Crews are also conducting investigations upstream to pinpoint sources of stormwater inflow.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has been informed, and precautionary statements have been issued:
1. Individuals using private drinking water supply wells within a half-mile radius of the spill site or within the potentially affected area are advised to utilize distilled or boiled water for personal use, including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Well water should be tested and disinfected, if necessary, before discontinuing distillation or boiling.
2. Consumers of public water supply are encouraged to contact their water supply distributor to confirm the safety of the water for personal use.
3. The public is urged to refrain from contact with waste material, soil, or water in the potentially impacted area.
4. In the event of contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spill, thorough bathing and clothes washing should be undertaken promptly.
For information regarding the overflow, concerned individuals can reach out to 254-298-5611.