NTMWD experiences sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) in Plano

The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) has experienced a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) of domestic wastewater from its 121 Force Main in Plano.

The SSO occurred from a pipeline break in the 121 Force Main near White Rock Creek and Cowan Circle in Plano. At approximately 10:15 a.m., NTMWD personnel were notified of the overflow and dispatched. NTMWD personnel stopped the spill at approximately 10:30 a.m. The estimated overflow volume is 345,000 gallons. The spill traveled 400 feet into White Rock Creek, approximately 17 miles from its confluence with White Rock Lake. NTMWD personnel and a contractor are on site diligently working on repairs and clean-up activities. Flows are being diverted and the pipeline will be out of service until repairs are completed.

The sanitary sewer overflow did not impact the NTMWD potable water system; drinking water delivered by NTMWD is safe for human use and consumption. Environmental assessments are underway and any detectable downstream environmental impacts will be treated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

NTMWD personnel have notified the appropriate local governmental officials and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Regional Office of this event. 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 water supplied by your local municipality, whether directly through your faucet or provided to a wholesale customer, is safe to drink and may be used for personal use.

The public should avoid contact with the waste material, soil or water in the area potentially affected by the overflow. If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil or water potentially affected by the overflow, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.

Should you have any questions regarding environmental impacts, refer to information posted on the NTMWD website at ntmwd.com/environmental-impacts