Should a major disaster strike Central Texas, the Austin-Travis…
A quiet morning of yard work ends with an attack with a garden …
Advertisement
Contaminated creeks are a health hazard
Four waterways contain high levels of E. coli
Updated: Wednesday, 21 Nov 2012, 11:53 AM CST
Published : Tuesday, 20 Nov 2012, 10:33 PM CST
AUSTIN (KXAN) - Park lovers may want to take precautions next time they head out to one of Austin's many creeks. Officials want the public to know that four of the waterways are contaminated.
Waller Creek, Taylor Slough South, The Spicewood Tributary, and Walnut Creek are the four waterways shown to have high levels of bacteria.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Equality tested water in the creeks and is urging people and their pets to not get in the water.
"The presence of E.coli in these watersheds indicates the potential for fecal pollution to be there," said Chris Herrington with the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department.
City officials said there are several reasons the creeks became contaminated, which is why they are asking for the public's help to clean it up.
"The sources of fecal contamination here in Austin can be leaking wastewater infrastructure, uncollected waste from domestic pets like dogs and cats, wildlife like deer, and even homeless people," said Herrington.
The watershed department will hold a public input meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at One Texas Center on Barton Springs Road.
The city said their plan is to engage the community not only to clean up the four waterways, but to make sure none of the other creeks in town become contaminated as well.
Opinions that are derogatory, attack other users or are offensive in nature may be removed. KXAN is not responsible for the content posted in this comment section. We reserve the right to remove any offensive or off-topic remark or thread. To mark a comment for review by a moderator, click "Report Abuse."
Email This
Print This
View Story on a Single PageAdvertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement