Houston reports wastewater spill exceeding 100,000 gallons following collection system failure

A structural failure in a wastewater collection system in Houston resulted in the release of more than 100,000 gallons of domestic wastewater near 9850 ½ Goodyear Drive, according to a mandatory public notice filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Houston Public Works reported that as of 8:00 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2026, the estimated volume of wastewater released exceeded 100,000 gallons. Local officials and TCEQ have been notified, and city crews are actively working to address the failure and contain the spill.

City officials emphasized that drinking water supplied by the City of Houston is safe and that no boil water notice is required for customers on the public system. However, residents using private drinking water wells within a half-mile of the spill or in potentially affected areas are advised to boil or distill water for all personal uses and to have well water tested and disinfected before resuming normal use. The public is also advised to avoid contact with wastewater, soil, or surface water in the affected area and to refrain from swimming until cleanup is complete.