People urged to stay clear of Great Hills Park, specifically the trail, due to sewage spill

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Water is asking people to say clear of the area, creek and trails in Great Hills Park after a 21" wastewater main break and sanitary sewage overflow at 10801 Sierra Oaks.

Officials the overflow exceeding 100,000 gallons of wastewater has flowed into a tributary of Bull Creek.

The overflow was discovered at 11:30 a.m. on December 1. 

Residents are urged to avoid the area until further notice.

Crews are working to pump and complete repairs as well as clean up.

Officials streess that the overflow has not affected Austin's drinking water supply. The Texas Commission Enviornmental Quality has been notified of the situation.

Austin Water officials have these rules for those in the affected area:

• Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the overflow 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.
• 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.
• The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the overflow.
• If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spill, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.