Blockage of wipes, concrete, rags cause wastewater to leak into Rio Grande near UTEP

Leaked wastewater from a manhole along the levee on the U.S. side spilled into the Rio Grande, Monday.

The overflow coming from a manhole was stopped Monday afternoon.

Crews for the utility company continued to work on repairing the manhole and disinfecting the surface.

Crews with El Paso Water removed a large blockage, comprised of wipes, concrete and rags, from a damaged wastewater pipe line.

Nearby streets, homes and businesses in the Sunset Heights neighborhood were not impacted, but some of the wastewater reached the riverbed.

No water or wastewater services were affected in the area.

The public drinking water supply is not at risk since the Rio Grande is not currently in operation. El Paso’s river treatment plants stopped treating river water in September.

El Paso Water officials remind the public to be aware of what is put down the drain and the damage it can cause.

EPWater notified the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Office of Emergency Management, TXDOT, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, International Water and Boundary Commission and El Paso County Water Improvement District #1 of the event.

An estimated 250,000 gallons were discharged onto the floodplain with a smaller amount making its way to the riverbed, stated El Paso Water officials.

The following is required language from TCEQ 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.

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