Wastewater spill prompts boil order for Houston well water customers

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston residents in certain areas should boil their well water before drinking it, the Department of Public Works and Engineering announced late Wednesday.

The order follows after untreated wastewater was released at the 69th Street Wastewater Treatment Plant on S. Sgt. Macario Garcia Drive following a day of storms and floods.

Authorities say that untreated wastewater was released from the plant into Halls Bayou (near US-59 at Parker Road), White Oak Bayou (near I-45 N at Wrightwood Street) and Buffalo Bayou (near University of Houston Downtown).

Until their well water has been tested, residents who live within a half mile of the plant or other mentioned areas should only use water that has been distilled or boiled for at least one minute for all personal uses, including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing.

Residents who purchase water from the public water supply should contact their distributor for further guidance.

Authorities also recommend avoiding soil, streams, ponds and lake within the affected areas.

Cleanup activities are already underway and will continue into the night.

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