The City of Brownwood Public Works Department is currently undergoing clean-up, remediation, and disinfection of a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) that occurred in the City of Brownwood wastewater collection system on April 9, 2025, caused by a pressure sewer main break. The overflows affected an unnamed dry creek bed located outside Brownwood City Limits on the property of 2805 Englewood located less than a mile from the Brownwood Wastewater Treatment Plant.

City Officials will continue to comply with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements for a wastewater discharge over the threshold limit of 100,000 gallons. The pipeline has been repaired, and the sanitary sewer overflow has been stopped. City crews have initiated cleanup efforts and will be taking laboratory samples at various points along the creek to ensure the  environment is safe.

Brownwood citizens should not be concerned when using water, as at no time was the City’s water system affected by this sewer spill. The City will continue to collect and test samples in the creek area for any contaminants or distress of marine life. The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill. 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.

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.

For more information, contact the Brownwood Wastewater Collection Department at (325) 430-5430.