Sewage spills near Bull Creek

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin Water Utility crews cleaned up a sewage spill near Bull Creek .

A manhole overflowed Saturday afternoon in a canyon below West Rim Drive.

An estimated 30,000 gallons of sewage overflowed. Officials said sewage spilled out about 2,000 feet downstream of the manhole. The non-designated swimming area was about 3,500 feet downstream of the overflowed area. The sewage came within 1,500 feet of the swimming area.

"It is a little concerning!" said Mandy McCoy, who brought her dog to Bull Creek Monday afternoon. "I'm not going to get in the water today!"

She came to Bull Creek to relax and get away from the city. However, when she found out about the sewage spill in the area, she did not stay long.

"Areas in Austin like this gives us a chance to get away from city life, but then whenever you hear something like this, it kind of brings you back to reality," said McCoy. "Hopefully it hasn't affected this area like they told us, but you never know!"

Suzy Rowley's view from her backyard is the beautiful canyon below.

"When I came out, and I saw all the trucks, and I thought that's probably not too good," said Rowley.

She was surprised to see Austin Water Utility trucks in the area, since they were just out there two years ago. A broken pipe caused a manhole to overflow at that time.

Austin Water Utility does not believe the swimming area has been impacted by the overflow. As a safety precaution, Austin Water Utility is encouraging residents and their pets to avoid contact with the swimming area. Water quality results should be complete in a few days.

"I think that's probably wise," said Rowley. "I wouldn't go in the water. It's really devastating."

The blockage that caused the overflow was corrected. According to Kevin Buckman, grease and rocks caused the blockage.