For Immediate Release – August 28, 2008

AUSTIN - Austin Water Utility (AWU) crews discovered a broken wastewater manhole cover earlier today that caused a wastewater spill of approximately 100,000 gallons in the Onion Creek Basin. The manhole is located in a remote wooded area approximately 200 yards west of 1700 block of South Pleasant Valley Rd. and 100 yards north of the intersection of Meadow Lake Blvd. and Quicksilver Blvd. It is believed that the manhole cover was damaged and fell into the wastewater line causing the line to be blocked. Repairs have been made to the manhole cover and wastewater line. AWU crews will work to clean the affected area and flush the area to dilute any unrecoverable wastewater. The event will not affect the public drinking water supply.

AWU officials urge area residents, and their pets, to avoid the area until clean up is completed. AWU also urges any residents in the area that receive their drinking water from a private well to boil their water until they can have their water tested.

Media Contact:
Kevin Buchman
Email to: Kevin.Buchman@ci.austin.tx.us
City of Austin Water Utility
(512) 972-0151; pgr.(512) 802-8959