TOPEKA (KSNT) – City officials are encouraging people to avoid contact with a cove at Lake Shawnee Monday due to a recent sewage overflow.
City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett said in a press release on April 27 the city’s Utilities Department is advising people to avoid contact with the water. The advisory stems from a recent manhole overflow incident on the east side of Lake Shawnee close by the City’s Pump Station #42 off of Southeast East Edge Road. The pump station is owned by Shawnee County and managed by Topeka.
The current advisory impacts the cove at Lake Shawnee just south of shelter house #4, southwest of the intersection of Tinman Circle and East Edge Road. You can check out the map below for the precise area in question.
(Photo Courtesy/City of Topeka)
Garrett said the overflow occurred due to recent heavy rains in Topeka. The increased precipitation caused sewage to overflow from the manhole and enter the cove of the lake.
Residents should avoid contact with this part of the lake and keep their pets away from the water. The City of Topeka’s advisory for this section of the lake will remain in effect until further notice. The advisory does not have any impact on tap water.
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Garrett said city workers flushed the impacted stormwater conveyance system and cleaned the impacted areas. Staff are now sampling the water. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is aware of the situation and will manage the issuance of any stream advisories connected to this situation.
“As a reminder, during periods of heavy rainfall or flooding, streams, creeks, and rivers may experience elevated levels of bacteria, stormwater pollutants, and agricultural runoff. Out of an abundance of caution, the City encourages residents to avoid contact with waterways until conditions have improved and water levels have receded.”
City of Topeka press release excerpt
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