ARLINGTON, Texas — A ruptured wastewater pipeline in south Arlington caused more than 100,000 gallons of domestic wastewater to overflow Saturday, prompting a precautionary advisory for nearby private well users, the Trinity River Authority (TRA) said.
The overflow occurred around 2 p.m. near the 6300 block of Mirabella Boulevard after a 30-inch wastewater force main ruptured, according to the TRA.
The agency said the spill originated from its Central Regional Wastewater System and added that wastewater service to customers has not been interrupted.
TRA officials said the overflow is heavily diluted and has not affected public drinking water supplies or harmed local aquatic life.
Under Texas regulations, municipal wastewater spills exceeding 100,000 gallons must be reported to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), as well as to local residents and public officials. The TRA said it will provide the final estimated volume of the discharge to the TCEQ after completing its calculations.
The agency advised residents who use private drinking water wells within a half-mile of the rupture site to use distilled water or boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, bathing or brushing their teeth.
TRA also recommended that private well owners have their water tested and disinfected before resuming normal use.
Residents served by municipal water systems may contact their local water provider to confirm the safety of their drinking water, the agency said.
Officials also urged the public to avoid contact with wastewater, contaminated soil and standing water near the affected area. Anyone who comes into contact with contaminated material should bathe and wash their clothing thoroughly as soon as possible, according to the TRA.
