ANN ARBOR (WWJ) – Officials in Ann Arbor are warning the public about a giant sewage spill into the Huron River after a problem at the wastewater treatment plant, but say it's fine to drink the water.
The leak began around 11 a.m. Tuesday, but wasn’t discovered until about 1:30 p.m. after an estimated 1.3 million gallons of partially treated water were discharged into the river, according to a press release from the city.
Officials say low water levels in the ultraviolet disinfection channels caused the spill, then caused a system shutdown to protect the equipment. The low water levels were caused by maintenance activitites.
The partially treated wastewater received all treatment except UV disinfection before flowing directly into the river via the outfall, according to the city.
Plant staff worked quickly to close the outflow to the river and restore water levels to the ultraviolet disinfection system, which was completed about a half hour after the problem was detected.
Officials at the plant say they are looking into installing notification alarms in case a similar event happens again.
In accordance with regulatory protocols, City of Ann Arbor staff has notified the Washtenaw County Health Department and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Services Manager Keith Sanders told WWJ there is no danger to the drinking water because the intake is further upstream.
Related
