EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Crews responded to a wastewater spill at the Roberto Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant on Sunday, May 31, according to El Paso Water.
Officials reported the spill was contained within the El Paso Water property. Cleanup and disinfection efforts are ongoing, as of Tuesday, June 2.
El Paso Water stated that the spill was caused by a clog resulting from a malfunction in equipment designed to capture large debris before wastewater enters the treatment process.
An estimated 560,000 gallons of wastewater were reportedly spilled within the plant property.
(El Paso Water)
Officials assured the community with the following statement:
“No water or wastewater services were affected. The public drinking water supply is not at risk. This incident has no impact on the treatment of incoming river water. Water and wastewater treatment operations are conducted at separate facilities.”
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said customers who purchase water from another public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.
El Paso Water advised individuals using private drinking water supply wells located within a half mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area, should only use 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, before 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 Geoffrey Espineli,
Wastewater Systems Division Manager at 915-594-5591.
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