$5K reward up to nab wastewater vandals

AUSTIN (KXAN) - After vandals sent 250,000 gallons of wastewater into a creek that feeds Barton Springs, City officials are adding a $5,000 reward into the mix Wednesday.

The Austin Water Utility is offering the money in exchange for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the wastewater line vandalism that happened Sunday.

The utility said the debris blockage in the 15-inch pipe resulted in the significant sewage spill in Southwest Austin.

Bacteria levels are being tested in Barton Springs, since the wastewater spilled into the creek that feeds the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer.

Well-water drinkers in much of South Austin are still being asked to test their water and boil it as a precaution.

Austin Water Utility crews worked around the clock Monday to clean up the wastewater that leaked after vandals removed a man-hole cover and filled a 15-inch water line with construction fencing and several large rocks. The debris caused a blockage in the line, near the intersection of Lacrosse Avenue and South MoPac - which is also near the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

The amount of water leaked is more than one-third of what it takes to fill up an Olympic-size pool.

Austin Water does not know exactly how many well water users are impacted or how much the mess will cost to clean up. However, they don't anticipate any serious environmental impacts.

Meanwhile, it's a major inconvenience and disappointment for the hundreds who wanted to spend the day at Barton Springs Pool.

Barton Springs Pool will likely remain closed until Thursday. The City of Austin has opened Deep Eddy's Pool through Thursday to accommodate swimmers.

Because of the spill, area residents in Sunset Valley and those who receive their drinking water from a private well are advised to boil all drinking water until the water can be tested.

Meanwhile, officials said those who know anything regarding this case should call the Austin Police Department at (512) 974-5000.