San Carlos family reports sewage flooding more than a week after Valley storms
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More than a week after heavy rain hit the Rio Grande Valley, a San Carlos family is still dealing with standing water on their property.
Homeowner Justine Villarreal says the flooding has created unsanitary conditions and left her family wondering when help will come.
Channel 5 News was on the property off North Val Verde Road, where the water was murky, carried a strong sewage odor and reached nearly to the top of rain boots. Large mosquitoes were also present throughout the property.
Villarreal says the flooding caused their septic system to become oversaturated and back up, forcing the family to limit water use inside their home.
"We've been having to use minimal water, so no dishwasher, no washer or dryer, and very quick showers. It’s been a struggle," Villarreal said.
She says the standing water is more than an inconvenience.
"It's a health risk not only for our family and our neighbors, but our livestock and animals, so it impacts everyone involved," Villarreal said.
The conditions have also left the family's three horses with few dry areas to stand or lie down.
"It’s so bad my horses ended up lying in the water because they had nowhere to lie down comfortably," Villarreal said.
Villarreal says she has spent the last two years trying to get help with a drainage problem she believes is making flooding worse. She points to a drainage ditch behind the property and believes trash and debris have prevented water from flowing properly.
"There is nowhere for it to drain," Villarreal said.
Her husband has been digging trenches and running a pump for more than a week to try to move the water out.
Villarreal's property falls under Hidalgo County Precinct 4's jurisdiction. In a statement to Channel 5 News, Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres said the county is aware of the concerns regarding the drainage ditch and illegal dumping in the area.
The statement said the county is coordinating with the appropriate departments to investigate the matter.
"I just hope it’s something someone can take seriously and look into and make a change for us," Villarreal said.
The county did not provide a timeline for when its review could be completed.
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