Localized flooding results in sewage overflow at SAWS lift station
(10/5/09)
SAWS crews are continuing to assess and repair damages to a sewer system lift station in Northeast San Antonio, near the intersection of Thousand Oaks Drive and Wetmore Road. This is after extremely heavy rainfall in the area over the weekend caused localized flooding, leaving the lift station submerged beneath floodwaters on Sunday morning.
High water alarms for the lift station sounded at 6:32 a.m., but overflow didn’t occur until 7:12 a.m. It was impossible to make immediate response since the station was inaccessible due to floodwaters. Once storm flows subsided, SAWS crews entered the site and were able to restore function at 12:30 p.m. During the intervening time, it is estimated that 100,000 gallons or more were spilled.
"While we're happy to finally be receiving some significant rains, many people don't think about the challenges to our water and wastewater infrastructure that flooding can cause," said SAWS Chief Operating Officer Steve Clouse. "The heavy rain overwhelmed drainage in the area, causing flooding and shorting out electrical equipment at the station. Once the water receded, we were able to quickly make repairs and return it to service within hours."
No adverse impacts are expected downstream, since the spill was largely diluted by floodwaters. The lift station has been repaired and is currently back in operation. SAWS will continue to monitor the station and assess the area downstream of the spill to identify and address any impacts.
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