FORT WAYNE (WOWO): Flood waters are going down, but there’s another threat from area waterways. The city says the combined sewers could have spewed a mix of storm waters and sewage into all three rivers and Spy Run Creek. The watershed could also extend into parts of Allen County. If you come in contact with those waters you could become ill, according to our partners in news at 21Alive.
Individuals should avoid direct contact with water in any of the CSO affected waterways described below. Consumption of or direct contact with sewage-contaminated water could make you sick. Signs are posted along the waterways to identify the city’s combined sewer outfalls and areas where contact with water could be hazardous to your health.
The affected CSO waterways include:
* St. Joseph River from Coliseum Boulevard to the confluence of the Maumee River.
* St. Marys River from Airport Expressway to the confluence of the Maumee River.
* Maumee River from the confluence of the St. Joseph River and the St. Marys River through the city of New Haven to the Platter Road bridge over the Maumee River in Milan Township.
* Spy Run Creek.
The City of Fort Wayne encourages the public to take the following protective actions when recreating in City streams:
* Avoid direct contact with CSO streams during and for three days (72 hours) after a rain event.
* Alter recreational activities in order to avoid direct water contact.
* If contact does occur with CSO streams, wash your hands immediately, especially prior to eating.
* Use a waterless hand sanitizer at outings that occur near CSO streams.
The affected CSO waterways include:
* St. Joseph River from Coliseum Boulevard to the confluence of the Maumee River.
* St. Marys River from Airport Expressway to the confluence of the Maumee River.
* Maumee River from the confluence of the St. Joseph River and the St. Marys River through the city of New Haven to the Platter Road bridge over the Maumee River in Milan Township.
* Spy Run Creek.
The City of Fort Wayne encourages the public to take the following protective actions when recreating in City streams:
* Avoid direct contact with CSO streams during and for three days (72 hours) after a rain event.
* Alter recreational activities in order to avoid direct water contact.
* If contact does occur with CSO streams, wash your hands immediately, especially prior to eating.
* Use a waterless hand sanitizer at outings that occur near CSO streams.
