Diesel fuel leak affected 4.2 million gallons of water in Germantown
To remediate the leak, the city said the affected water reservoirs were drained to a level that allowed a safe neutralizing agent to be applied. They were then refilled and water was pumped into the nearby water tower to flush any remaining residue in the system. (Abigail Warren/The Daily Memphian file)
A diesel fuel leak in Germantown that was reported Thursday, July 20, leaked 100 gallons of fuel and contaminated 4.2 million gallons of water in the suburb, the city said Friday evening.
After remediation efforts, the city tested the water and results were expected Friday but have been delayed. They are now expected Saturday morning, the city said in a release.
Additional samples from a wider area will be analyzed Saturday and results are expected that afternoon, the city said.
The fuel leak was reported July 20 after reports came in from city residents who complained of a strong odor coming from the water. The city said it discovered that generator powering a water plant following a power outage from a Tuesday storm was leaking.
The leak was quickly stopped, the city said Friday, and the Germantown Fire Department as well as the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) were called in to ensure that the response met their standards.
To remediate the leak, the city said the affected water reservoirs were drained early Friday to a level that allowed a safe neutralizing agent to be applied. They were then refilled and water was pumped into the nearby water tower to flush any remaining residue in the system.
Water samples were sent to a local lab and the Shelby County Health Department is also doing independent testing, the city said.
The city said that results will be provided as soon as possible and that information for homeowners on how they can make sure their own water lines are clean will be provided once the system is clear.
Residents are urged to sign up to receive text notifications from the Germantown Alert system. To opt in, visit Germantown-TN.gov/alert or text “alert” to 901-979-9955. Those who register via text must be sure to complete the registration process by clicking the link in the text reply.
The city is also distributing bottled water Saturday at Forest Hill Elementary at 3368 Forest Hill Road from 9 a.m. to noon.
Residents can also bring their own containers to fill up to Bailey Station Elementary in Collierville at 3435 Bailey Station Road.
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Germantown Germantown waterAarron Fleming
Aarron Fleming covers Memphis and Shelby County’s court system and is a member of The Daily Memphian’s public safety reporting team. He formerly covered education and earned his B.A. in journalism from the University of Memphis.
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