<div>My name is Misty, and I have lived in Hewitt, Texas for over 20 years. I never imagined I would be writing something like this. I have always been someone who helps others — I have spent much of my life rescuing animals, fostering dogs, and preventing euthanasia. I am well known in my community for stepping up when others are in need. Asking for help is not something that comes easily to me, but my family and I are now facing a crisis that has grown far beyond our ability to handle alone.

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<div>In July 2025, during the catastrophic flooding that impacted Central Texas, I began noticing severe moisture intrusion at and above my home’s foundation. This was not just surface water. Moisture was seeping upward into the foundation itself. During this time, my tile floors changed from light brown to nearly black, indicating abnormal and dangerous saturation. Although the flooding did not look like what is typically covered under flood insurance, this period marked the beginning of a rapid and ongoing deterioration of my home.

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<div>In the months that followed, the ground around my property remained saturated and unstable. A city-owned sewer manhole and utility easement located on my property began failing. The ground started sinking, soil eroded, and a persistent sewer odor developed. The concrete around the manhole is visibly deteriorating, and this has caused significant foundation damage throughout my home. City crews later came out and placed dirt over the sinking area without notifying me, but the underlying problem was never resolved.

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<div>As moisture spread through the structure, mold began growing behind walls and inside cabinets, furniture started swelling, and interior materials began to deteriorate. To try to save what we could, we were forced to begin renting additional storage and moving belongings out of the home to prevent further damage.

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<div>Nearly every system in the home has been affected by prolonged moisture exposure. Large areas of sheetrock throughout the house have become soft, walls are separating, and gaps have formed that allow moisture, insects, and rodents to enter. The wall behind my washing machine is visibly compromised. When cleaning my dryer’s lint compartment, the metal was so rusted that it crumbled, leaving a hole in the area that contains hot air. For safety reasons, the dryer must be replaced.

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<div>Electrical issues have also emerged. TVs, phones, and other devices lose power or will not stay charged. Power cords have had to be replaced repeatedly, and electrical outlets installed only a few years ago now appear to be failing. Inspectors warned that moisture exposure combined with rodent activity in the attic creates a serious fire hazard.

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<div>As the sewer system failed and the ground remained wet, rodents began coming onto the property. Pest control professionals explained that this is common when sewer systems leak underground and soil remains saturated. I have never experienced rodent or insect issues of this magnitude before. Because of foundation cracks and the sewer failure, rodents were able to access the attic and began chewing on electrical wiring. A comprehensive plan to seal all entry points, treat the attic, and provide preventative treatment due to ongoing wet conditions was estimated at approximately $12,000, which is far beyond what we can afford.

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<div>During this same time, my health began to decline significantly. I started experiencing nerve-related symptoms including burning pain, numbness, and tingling in my hands, feet, and spine, along with episodes of confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and a recurring metallic taste in my mouth. These symptoms have become progressively disabling, severely limiting what I am physically and mentally able to do compared to how I lived and worked before.

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<div>Initially, I believed these issues might be related to stress, aging, or pre-existing conditions. However, as we uncovered hidden mold, prolonged sewer leakage beneath the home, bacterial contamination, and rodent activity, serious concerns were raised about possible long-term environmental exposure. A leak detection company initially did not find an active sewer leak. Approximately six months later, additional testing revealed that the sewer had in fact been leaking beneath the home, meaning moisture, sewage, and bacteria had been present for an extended period without our knowledge.

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<div>I am also deeply concerned about the health of my animals. Because the sewer leak is underground and its exact location is unknown, my 7 dogs and 3 cats have been exposed to the same environment we are living in. They walk on the ground, lick their paws, and sometimes eat grass in areas that may be contaminated. I have noticed episodes of digestive issues, including diarrhea, which has increased my fear about environmental exposure. Protecting my animals has always been a priority for me, and it has been devastating to realize I may not be able to do that without help.

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<div>I am self-employed and live week to week. My income depends entirely on being able to work that day — if I cannot work, there is no income. While we were moving belongings into storage and trying to manage worsening conditions, my car broke down. The estimated cost to repair my vehicle is at least $3,500–$4,000, and my daughter’s car is also not running with a similar estimate. We currently have no reliable transportation, which means I cannot work at all.

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<div>At the same time, my city-owned water meter stopped working, and despite repeated repair requests, it still does not function properly. I spent what little money I had trying to repair my kitchen sink, only to be told it could not be fixed due to a collapsed sewer line. I can no longer use my kitchen sink to wash dishes, and my checking account is now negative.

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<div>My partner is currently the only one working. He has had to miss significant time helping manage unsafe conditions, transport our family, and prevent further loss. This loss of work has caused our household income to drop even further, placing us at risk of losing everything we have left.

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<div>I repeatedly notified the City of Hewitt about my concerns, including fear related to sewer failure, rodent activity, health risks, and flooding. A city ordinance representative stated he would “see what he could do,” but never followed up, despite the urgency and panic I expressed after being warned by professionals about contamination and fire hazards. At other times, the issue was minimized as “just a creek,” even though this area is a utility easement and flood channel connected to the city’s drainage system. When obstructed or compromised, it causes water to back up and flood — which is exactly what occurred.

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<div>Insurance claims were filed but ultimately denied. I am working with legal aid and regulators to pursue accountability, but that process takes time. In the meantime, we are struggling to cover housing costs, utilities, transportation, storage, food, medication, and basic necessities.

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<div>At this moment, I am homebound with no transportation and cannot even afford food for my animals. This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to admit, especially after spending my life helping others and rescuing animals in need.

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<div>I am asking for help to survive this crisis and prevent my family — both human and animal — from losing everything while we fight to stabilize our home, health, and livelihood. Any support, even sharing this page, truly means more than I can express. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for caring.

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Wesley Bowers

Jana Haney

Wendell Lewis

Just $550 to go!
Make an impact.

Help After Water Damage, Sewer Failure, and Health Crisis

Just $550$ to go! Make an impact.

Help After Water Damage, Sewer Failure, and Health Crisis

Just $550 to go!
Make an impact.