Duncanville officials advised people who use private drinking-water wells near a sewage spill on Little Creek Drive to boil or distill their water before using it for drinking, cooking, bathing or brushing their teeth.
The precaution applies to wells within a half-mile of the spill site and wells in any other potentially affected area, the city announced Thursday, September 10. The notice specifically addresses private wells.
Construction debris caused overflow
Construction debris entered a sewer main upstream during utility work and caused the overflow Wednesday, September 9, according to the city.
Wastewater reached a backyard and drainage easement behind the 600 and 700 blocks of Little Creek Drive. Public Works crews were cleaning, remediating and disinfecting the affected area when Duncanville issued its notice.
City officials said no fish kills or significant environmental harm had been reported by that time.
The notice did not identify the construction contractor, provide an estimated spill volume or say when the well-water precaution would end.
What private well users should do
Affected residents should use distilled water or bring well water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before any personal use, the city said.
Well owners should also have the water tested and, if necessary, disinfected before ending the boiling or distillation precaution.
Duncanville said it was following Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requirements. State rules require public notification for certain wastewater discharges, including discharges expected to harm drinking-water sources, spills of at least 100,000 gallons and some spills of 50,000 gallons or more near water supplies.
The city did not say which notification criterion applied to the Little Creek Drive spill.
Residents with questions may contact the Duncanville Public Works Utilities Department at 972-780-4900.
