On December 22, 2025, a massive wastewater spill from a public lift station in Pflugerville unleashed nearly 200,000 gallons of untreated domestic sewage into a tributary of Gilliland Creek, killing fish and prompting an emergency response from Austin Water.
The Incident and Immediate Response
Austin Water reported that crews responded to a domestic wastewater overflow from a public lift station at 13625 Coomer Path shortly before 10 a.m. Monday. The overflow was discovered just before 10 a.m. and was stopped that same morning. The utility said an equipment failure caused the spill.
Volume of the Spill
Austin Water estimated that approximately 198,000 gallons of domestic wastewater flowed into the Gilliland Creek tributary. The overflow occurred at the public lift station on 13625 Coomer Path in Pflugerville. The spill was reported to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Environmental Impact and Fish Kill
The wastewater overflow led to a fish kill in Gilliland Creek on December 22, 2025. Austin Water said the incident caused a fish kill in the creek. The utility is coordinating with Austin Watershed Protection to assess environmental impacts.
Public Health and Safety Measures
The overflow did not affect Austin’s public drinking water supply, according to Austin Water. However, the utility warned that people using private drinking water supply wells within a half-mile radius of the overflow site should only use water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses. Private well owners are advised to have their water tested and disinfected if necessary.
Advice for Property Owners and Residents
Property owners bordering the creek are advised to keep livestock and pets away from the water until Austin Water crews finish cleaning and restoring the area. People in the area who have private water wells should test and disinfect their water before stopping distillation or boiling. Residents should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the overflow.
Contact and Cleanup Guidance
If people do come into contact with waste material, soil, or water, Austin Water said they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible. The utility is working to clean up the spill and restore the affected area. Austin Water will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 200,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into Gilliland Creek on Dec. 22, 2025.
- The spill caused a fish kill and prompted safety warnings for private well users.
- Austin Water coordinated with watershed protection and reported the incident to state regulators.
The incident underscores the importance of infrastructure maintenance and rapid response to protect both environmental and public health.
