EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A wastewater treatment facility in West El Paso spilled enough wastewater to fill an Olympic-sized pool and some got into the Rio Grande.

According to El Paso Water, around 670,000 gallons of wastewater were spilled from the John T. Hickerson Treatment Plant, located at 701 Executive Center Blvd. near the Rio Grande River and the U.S.-Mexico border.

EP Water said the spill was first reported on Tuesday at around 12:10 a.m., adding that it was caused after four contractor pumps failed during an ongoing project; however, it has since been fully contained.

EP Water emphasized that most of the wastewater was contained at the treatment plant, but added that some reached the Rio Grande, which they said is mostly dry.

“We want to assure the public that this incident poses no immediate risk to health or safety. The affected area is not publicly accessible, the spill has been contained, and we are taking all necessary steps to address the situation and work with the contractor to assess environmental impacts and take appropriate remediation actions,” said Gilbert Trejo, vice president of operations and technical services, in a press release.

EP Water also reassured people, saying that service was not interrupted during the incident.

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Furthermore, EP Water stated that since Elephant Butte Reservoir has not released water downstream yet this year, and the utility’s river water treatment plants are not currently in operation, there is no risk to the region’s surface water supply.

The contractor worked with EP Water operations and plant personnel to implement containment measures, including building barriers to limit the spread of wastewater beyond the plant.

EP Water said the contractor is taking responsibility for the incident and is working to complete repairs, mitigate environmental impacts and conduct cleanup efforts.

EP Water employees remain on site to ensure plant operations are stable and the workplace is safe and added that the contractor is taking responsibility for the incident.

The utility reported the incident to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and said it will continue working with the agency to assess environmental impacts and determine appropriate remediation actions.

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Below is the required language from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that EP Water said has to be stated when a wastewater spillage of this size happens: 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, please contact Ruben Rodriguez, Chief Water Quality Compliance Officer at 915-238-5050.

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