City Hall Roundup: Activities Resume at White Rock Lake After Sewage Spill, Swimming Still Prohibited

Activities at White Rock Lake resumed Monday after officials worked for more than a week to clean up more than 1.5 million gallons of untreated waste that were dumped into the creek. 

The City of Plano took responsibility for the sewage spill, citing a mechanical failure at a municipal water station. 

Dallas Park and Recreation advised residents following the March 14 incident that they should not fish or “enter the water due to elevated bacterial levels found in the lake.”

Deputy City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert issued a memorandum March 22 updating council members on the sewage spill.

Dallas Water Utilities sent the following email March 24 to stakeholders and residents who live near White Rock Lake: 

Effective today, Dallas Park and Recreation Department is restoring water recreation activities at White Rock Lake. Park officials said the decision comes after Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) reports recent water sampling results are within normal, pre-incident levels.

Park visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, boating, and rowing. While swimming remains prohibited, the water launch area at White Rock Lake Dog Park is available for pets.

Following best practices, park officials will continue to receive testing data from DWU and will enact its maintenance operations protocols for restricting water recreation activities if water quality deteriorates from upstream incidents and major weather storms.

Dallas Park and Recreation on March 19 closed the lake for water activities. Elevated bacterial levels were detected due to a recent sewage overflow in Plano that impacted White Rock Creek and the lake.

Dallas Water Utilities

The Dallas Morning News reported that sewage began overflowing at about 2:40 p.m. March 14 from three manholes near 5510 West Plano Parkway after a valve failed at a water lift station.

The lift station, operated by the North Texas Municipal Water District, flooded. That led to the shorting of motors and electrical systems, according to Alex Johnson, a spokesperson for the water district.

Plano officials estimated roughly 500 gallons of sewage were flowing into the creek per minute, according to the report. The spill was contained just before 5 a.m. March 16. City officials said the local water supply was safe to drink and use.