Untreated wastewater released from east Houston facility

HOUSTON – Untreated wastewater was released Wednesday evening from an east Houston treatment plant, officials said, prompting a boil water order for some in the area.

City officials said the water was released from the 69th Street Wastewater Treatment Plant.

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As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, about 500,000 gallons of untreated wastewater, diluted by storm water, was released into Hall and Buffalo bayous. About 160,000 gallons was released into White Oak Bayou.

Officials said people within a half-mile of the spill site or the potentially affected area who use a private well to supply their water should boil their water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, bathing and teeth brushing.

Wells should be tested and disinfected before discontinuing boiling, officials said.

People in the area who use the public water supply should contact their distributor to determine if the water is safe, officials said.

Officials said people should avoid contact with the soil or water in the spill area.