More than 150,000 gallons of sewage spilled in Houston following Hurricane Beryl, power outages | Texas

Houston, Texas – Heavy rains and power outages from Hurricane Beryl caused a major sewage spill in Houston.

According to Houston Public Works, the spill, which occurred at 6747 Lawndale, resulted in the release of approximately 157,750 gallons of domestic wastewater. The incident, which occurred on July 11, 2024, prompted notifications to local authorities and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Residents who receive their drinking water from the City of Houston are assured that their water is safe and does not require boiling. However, those who use private drinking water supply wells within a half-mile of the spill site are advised to use only distilled or boiled water for personal uses, including drinking, cooking, bathing and brushing teeth.

“The TCEQ requires this mandatory notification,” the press release states. Individuals with private water wells must have their water tested and disinfected if necessary before stopping distillation or boiling.

People are advised to avoid contact with waste, soil or water in the affected area and to refrain from swimming in these areas. If contact occurs, people should bathe and wash their clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.