Published: April 03, 2007 01:29 am         

Sewage spill reported near Tawakoni

WEST TAWAKONI — This past weekend’s heavy rains resulted in a sewage spill near Lake Tawakoni.

Approximately 100,000 gallons of untreated water was spilled, leading West Tawakoni city officials to issue a boil water notice Monday afternoon.

West Tawakoni City Administrator Cloy A. Richards issued the notice, noting the four to six inches of rain which fell between Thursday and Saturday nights forced a spill of water flowing into lift station No. 7 of the city’s sanitary collection system at 200 Telephone Road.

“The spill went into a barrow ditch that does enter the lake,” Richards said in the notice. “None of the spill occurred in an area within one-half mile of anyone’s intake structure at Lake Tawakoni.”

Richards said city crews have repaired a tap and a customer clean out valve which were improperly installed at the location.

The notice recommended the city’s water customers:

— Use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a roiling boil for at least one minute for all personal use, including drinking, cooking, bathing and tooth brushing.

— Avoid swimming in the affected area.

— Always wash hands thoroughly after any contact with animals, soil or diapers.

In addition, the notice advised that private well owners may want to treat their well water, have the water tested and inspect the wells for proper sitting, construction and maintenance.