Austin Water responds to report of sewage overflow near Bull Creek

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Water crews responded to a report of a sewage overflow from a manhole on Saturday afternoon around 4:30 p.m.

According to city officials, the overflow was caused by rags and debris in the sewer line. Crews unclogged the line and stopped the sanitary sewer overflow before 6 p.m. Saturday. 

Staff estimates that approximately 25,000 gallons of sewage overflowed into Bull Creek near Old Spicewood Springs Road. Staff estimates that 165 fish were killed as a result of the overflow. The drinking water supply was not affected by the spill.

Austin Water reported the overflow to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas Parks and Wildlife. 

Austin Water immediately began clean-up efforts, including pumping sewage from the creek and cleaning up solid material. Staff remained on-site for clean-up efforts on Sunday and notified members of the public using adjacent trails to stay out of the creek.

Austin Water crews expect to complete most of the clean-up efforts by Monday.

Customers can help prevent future overflows by refraining from putting grease, rags, wipes and other items that can cause clogs down their sinks or toilets.