PLANO, Texas — More than 1.5 million gallons of sewage from Plano overflowed and spilled into White Rock Lake Creek over the weekend.
To put that in perspective, that's more than 3 Olympic-size pools.
It happened because of a mechanical failure with the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) at the Lower White Rock Lift Station in Plano.
NTMWD says a valve broke on March 14, which caused wastewater to enter where the electrical components are housed. Then it overflowed through three manholes near the 5500 block of West Plano Parkway, which is above White Rock Creek.
The sewer overflow wasn't stopped until about 5 a.m. Saturday, March 16.
White Rock Creek ultimately flows down into Dallas and eventually into White Rock Lake. But the City of Plano tells WFAA they've been working along the creek and have seen no signs of environmental impact.
They say the heavy rain on Saturday helped dilute the situation.
"Impact on the environment is assessed by monitoring and testing of the receiving streams which has been going on since late last week. To date no impact to the public health or environment has been identified by the city of Plano staff or the city of Dallas," said NTMWD Assistant Deputy for Wastewater Hunter Stephens.
NTMWD says the spill did not affect the city’s water supply, which remains safe to drink and use.
On March 19, Dallas Park and Recreation officials announced the suspension of water-related activities at White Rock Lake Park.
"To protect public health, park officials advise residents and park visitors not to fish or enter the water because of elevated bacteria levels found in the creek and lake waters," the department said in a news release.
This also means recreational boaters, rowing, and yacht clubs will also have to discontinue any water activities or operations.
The lift station is currently operating with temporary pumping in place. NTMWD said it could take several weeks to fully repair the valves.