PFLUGERVILLE, Texas — A Pflugerville force main wastewater line was struck, causing the release of wastewater into a tributary.

The line struck was adjacent to Weiss Lane and was hit by an Oncor utility company subcontractor into a Wilbarger Creek tributary originating at the Pflugerville dam spillway.

According to a report from the city, it is estimated that more than 100,000 gallons of wastewater spilled from the damaged pipe before the full pipe repair was complete.

Rescue efforts prevented 88,000 gallons from entering the Wilbarger tributary.

Additionally, an earthen dam was put in place across the channel and contained most of the rest of the spill.  Materials collected were pumped and disposed properly at the treatment plant.  As a result, a fraction of the spill actually entered the channel just north of Jesse Bohls Road and to the east.  

Clean up continues and is anticipated to be complete by end of day Jan. 19. Due to the location of the line break, the water flowed downstream to the east, thus there was never a threat to Lake Pflugerville, or people on the City of Pflugerville water supply.

Any persons using private drinking water supply wells 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 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.

To reiterate, Lake Pflugerville was not threatened during this incident.

The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil or water in the area potentially affected by the spill and should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible if contact is made.