FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Inquiries                                                       
Contact: Jose Calderon                                                    
Office: 281.652.4086                                                          
jcalderon@pearlandtx.gov                               

Reflection Bay Water Reclamation Facility Unauthorized Discharge

PEARLAND, TEXAS – May 25, 2026 – The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations (30 TAC 319) require that municipalities report wastewater collection system overflows to the local media and local officials when overflows exceed 100,000 gallons or more.

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, at approximately 3:30 PM, during a rain flow event at the Reflection Bay Water Reclamation Facility (Permit No. WQ0010134008), a power outage caused a blower failure. This resulted in an estimated 167,000-gallon discharge of untreated wastewater into the Clear Creek Drainage Relief Channel. The relief channel is located approximately 1,000 feet south of Clear Creek and serves as a drainage conveyance that flows into Clear Creek.

The power outage during the rain event caused elevated water levels resulting in critical equipment failure, which led to the discharge occurring between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The facility was returned to stable operating conditions at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Although this discharge did not affect local drinking water sources or water supply wells, this notice is being issued following confirmation of exceeding the 100,000-gallon threshold. Additional time was required to verify flow data and ensure accuracy, and the final estimate was completed this morning.

Per 30 TAC 319, the following precautionary statements are required in this notification:

1. Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.

2. Persons who purchase water from a public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.

3. The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill.

4. If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spill, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.

For additional FAQ’s please visit: pearlandtx.gov/dischargefaq

For questions or concerns contact Utilities at 281.652.1900.

 All notifications required under 30TAC 319 have been completed. 

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