City of Georgetown public notification for wastewater discharge

On Jan. 22, the City of Georgetown experienced heavy rainfall that caused rainwater and diluted wastewater to discharge from the outfalls of the City’s Dove Springs and San Gabriel wastewater treatment plants. There is no anticipated harm to human health or safety or the receiving waterways due to the increased discharge. Operators have not seen any signs of untreated wastewater at the outfalls or downstream.

The City’s water supply remains safe for consumption, and residents whose water is supplied by the City do not need to take any action. However, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires the City to provide information to residents about the Jan. 22 discharge from wastewater outfalls caused by the heavy rains.

“I want to reassure our water customers that our water remains safe for consumption and, given the amount of rain the area received, do not anticipate a negative impact to our waterways,” Georgetown City Manager David Morgan said. “The nearly 4 inches of rain we received in just a few days stretched our wastewater treatment system beyond its capacity. In order to ensure our customers continued to have access to safe drinking water and functioning wastewater facilities, we needed to discharge wastewater at a level that doesn’t meet our usual requirements for a short period of time.”

At the Dove Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant, 400 Rock Dove Lane, about 737,500 gallons of domestic wastewater, primarily consisting of rainwater and diluted wastewater, discharged from the treatment plant outfall between 1 and 3 p.m. Jan. 22. The discharge was closely monitored by City of Georgetown crews. Dove Springs is a 30-year-old plant that is slated for rehabilitation starting spring 2024.

At the San Gabriel Wastewater Treatment Plant, 1107 N. College St., about 975,000 gallons of domestic wastewater, primarily consisting of rainwater and diluted wastewater, discharged from the treatment plant outfall between 2 and 5 p.m. Jan. 22. The discharge was closely monitored by City of Georgetown crews. San Gabriel is a 42-year-old plant that is currently undergoing rehabilitation.

In addition, the City is required to share the following precautionary statements:

• Persons using private drinking water supply wells (not applicable to residents using the City’s water system) located within ½ 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 (not applicable to residents using the City’s water system) should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.
• Persons who purchase water from a public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.  (NOTE: The City’s water supply is safe for consumption.)
• The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill. (NOTE: The City already sent crews to clean the areas after the discharge.)
• 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.

For further information, please contact the Communications and Public Engagement Department at pio@georgetown.org.