(Richardson, TX) – The City of Richardson has experienced an overflow of domestic wastewater at two locations within its collection system. The cause is due to excessive rainfall experienced during the past four days.

The discharges are located in the areas of 400 Fall Creek Drive and 400 Malden Drive. At the Fall Creek Drive location, an estimated 150,000 gallons of domestic wastewater has discharged in to Prairie Creek since Friday. At the Malden Drive location an estimated 100,000 gallons of domestic wastewater has discharged in to the Lindale Branch of Cottonwood Creek.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and local regulating authorities have been notified of the release, and City personnel are monitoring the discharges and will test water quality in the creeks until results go back to normal.

People using potable water provided through water mains need not take any protective action. The City’s water supply is not impacted by these releases. Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the discharge sites or within the potentially affected areas 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.

The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the areas potentially affected by the spills. If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by a spill, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.

Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Richardson’s 24-hour response line at 972-744-4111.