Rainfall contributes to sewer overflows in Temple and Killeen, Texas

(UI) — Heavy rainfall on May 16 led to significant sewer overflows in Temple and Killeen, Texas, as reported by the City of Temple and Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (BCWDID1), according to 6 News Digital (6News).

This marks the seventh overflow incident in Temple since January, highlighting an ongoing issue exacerbated by weather events.

The affected areas, including specific locations such as Southwest H K Dodgen Loop and South 65th Street in Temple, and South 38th Street in Killeen, experienced water overflow, with all excess water in Temple flowing into Bird Creek.

Prompt action was taken by authorities, with both the City of Temple and BCWDID1 confirming that the impacted areas have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Estimates suggest that approximately 1.19 million gallons of predominantly stormwater overflowed in Temple, while BCWDID1 reported around 809,000 gallons from their two combined overflows.

To address this recurring issue, the City of Temple has initiated a capital project aimed at resolving the problem. Meanwhile, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued precautionary measures for residents, advising those with private water supply wells nearby to use distilled water or boil their water for safety. Additionally, individuals using public water supply are urged to verify its safety with the water supply distributor.

The public is cautioned to avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the affected areas, and to promptly bathe and launder clothes if contact occurs. Despite these overflows, the city of Temple assures its water system remains unaffected and has duly notified the TCEQ regarding the incidents, emphasizing their commitment to addressing and mitigating such occurrences.

This story was originally published by 6News.

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