The city has released a mix of rainwater and sewage into Brush Creek after heavy rainfall over the weekend.

The city announced in a news release Monday afternoon that, after posting signs along the creek, it began a release of rainwater and sewage into the creek about 9 p.m. Sunday. The city continued the release for about 15 hours, or until about 12:20 p.m. Monday.

The release was done near Pump Station 9, which is near the intersection of 31st Street and Kasold Drive. Municipal Services and Operations Director Dave Wagner said people and their pets should avoid contact with the creek water in that area and downstream of that area until further notice.

Following heavy rainfall over the weekend, the rainwater and sewage release was necessary to prevent water backing up into the sanitary sewer collection system upstream of Pump Station 9, according to the release. Water levels in the storage basins and the sanitary sewer pumps at Pump Station 9 had reached maximum capacity.

Wagner said the city did not yet know how many gallons of rainwater and sewage had to be released into the creek. He said the city has tested the creek for elevated bacteria and contaminants and will provide updates once more information is known.