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1. Who is at risk of possible health concerns?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Wastewater Management, people who have been exposed through direct contact including through waters used for recreation.

2. What health risks are associated with contaminated floodwater?

According to the EPA, sanitary sewer overflows contain raw sewage and can carry numerous health hazards including bacteria, viruses, protozoa and helminths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also noted that floodwaters may have moved hazardous chemical containers which can carry solvents and other industrial chemicals. In addition, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) points out floodwater can also carry intestinal bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella and Shigella; hepatitis A virus; and forms of typhoid, paratyphoid and tetanus.

The symptoms of these illnesses may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and fever. Dallas County Health and Human Services encourages residents to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of waterborne illness.

3. What other natural resources are affected by contaminated floodwater?

When natural bodies of water come in contact with contaminated floodwater, those resources should not be used for recreational activities. Dallas County Health and Human Services recommends Dallas County residents refrain from all activities near flooded areas because of the health and safety concerns of the water.

4. What should I watch out for in or around floodwater?

Residents should avoid floodwater because of the risk of drowning. According to the CDC, vehicles do not provide safe protection from floodwater because they can be swept away or can stall in water. Floodwater can also move animals and reptiles. Residents are reminded to be on alert and avoid contact with wildlife. Floodwater can also carry dangerous objects including downed power lines and glass or metal fragments. Contact with these objects, can lead to injury or infection, according to the CDC.

5. What are the hazards of standing floodwater?

OSHA states standing or stagnant water may become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can increase the risk of West Nile virus.

6. When is it OK to enter water sources that have flooded?

Residents should visit the City of Irving website, if they have any questions or are unsure about water quality due to the recent flooding.

7. What is the city doing to correct the issue?

The city is working with a contractor to build a bypass system and reroute the sanitary sewer system around the damaged section. This bypass allows for city crews and contractors to make repairs to the system and the sewer line. In addition, water is being circulated through the lake system and the city is aerating the lake to pump oxygen back into the water. The city is working with the Trinity River Authority (TRA) and Dallas County Utility Reclamation District (DCURD) to monitor and continuously test the river and the lake for water quality.

8. Is the city working with other entities?

The city has engaged the assistance of an outside contractor to help build the above-ground bypass system. In addition, city staff has sought out the expertise of an environmental contractor that has been assisting with aerating the lake and helping maintain the dissolved oxygen levels. Staff is also in close contact with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), TRA and DCURD.