Some neighbors concerned over wastewater pipe bust near Peck Elementary School in southeast Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s been months since a wastewater line reportedly busted near a southeast Houston elementary school.

The situation is causing overflow on the street near Peck Elementary, which is just south of the University of Houston. 311 records showed the problem was originally reported four months ago.

According to 311 records, an initial report came in on March 19.

The following day, records stated a city crew worked on the site and completed an inspection. Fast forward about two months later in May, and a new update said “a concerned parent called regarding this case and states that this is unacceptable and them pumping the water only works for 24 hours and it doesn’t do much. Parent states kids walk through it, and it is a health hazard.”

Exactly a month later, the most recent update showed that a city crew completed an inspection, and a wastewater pipe bursting work order was created to address the issue.

Houston Public Works Director Randy Macchi said equipment and scheduling challenges caused the delay of contractors receiving the go-ahead for the work. Macchi said Public Works put a bypass system to pump wastewater away from the leak’s location a day after the initial report.

The department said that a bit of water overflow can be expected, but they will come to pump it out.

“We’ve seen them come and purge the area, which makes sense. But again, that’s only a temporary fix,” neighbor, Dave Cole, said.

Cole said he and his wife noticed the overflow months ago.

“Sometimes, there is an aroma which certainly can’t be healthy,” Cole said. “During the school year, kids come in and go in here. Parents picking up kids. So everyone who comes is exposed to this.”

Macchi said repairs to parts of the wastewater line are scheduled for this Wednesday and could take a few weeks. Cole said he and his wife will be following the project closely.

“There needs to be a permanent solution, and hopefully that will be in the near future,” Macchi said.

The Houston Independent School District told ABC13 that the district is aware of the plumbing issue and that the maintenance team is working with the City of Houston on this.

“The District’s maintenance team will continue to monitor the area and maintain close coordination with the City of Houston to ensure the work is completed safely and efficiently,” the district said in a written statement.

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