EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A wastewater main break at the Roberto Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant in El Paso’s Lower Valley spilled an estimated 800,000 gallons on Thursday night, April 17, but the break was contained by Friday morning, El Paso Water said.
The plant, along Pan American Drive, is not in a residential area.
Crews worked through the night to stop the leak on the 36-inch line and reroute the wastewater flow, El Paso Water said.
The spill was contained within the Bustamante plant property.
No water or wastewater services were affected, and the drinking water supply is not at risk, El Paso Water said.
El Paso Water issued the following statement, as required by the Texas Commission on Environment Quality for a wastewater discharge event of this size:
“Although it was determined that the public water supply was not affected, EPWater customers or persons who purchase water from another public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use. Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling. The public should avoid contact with wastewater or soil in the area affected by the discharge.
“If contact is made, it is advised to bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.”
For customers who have questions about the wastewater spill, contact Angel Bustamante, wastewater systems division manager at (915) 594-5401.
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