City of Lawrence notified of wastewater discharge from Topeka
The City of Lawrence was contacted Wednesday afternoon by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the City of Topeka about a wastewater discharge by the City of Topeka, according to a news release from the City of Lawrence.
KDHE issued a health advisory stating that a main break near Interstate 70 caused sewage to flow into Wanamaker Creek, which is a tributary to the Kansas River. The KDHE advisory states that the City of Topeka has completed repairs to the break, but that it notified downstream public water supplies regarding potential contamination in the Kansas River.
City of Lawrence staff are taking appropriate precautions and are adjusting treatment processes in response to the event, according to the release. Specifically, the city will increase the amount of water it draws from Clinton Lake and reduce the amount drawn from the Kansas River to minimize any impacts. Additional sampling and testing will be conducted until the flow containing the contamination has passed the area.
The KDHE advisory did not specify how large the wastewater discharge was. City of Lawrence utility spokesperson Kevyn Gero said in an email to the Journal-World Wednesday afternoon that the City of Topeka had not notified the city regarding the amount of the discharge.
Until further information is known regarding contamination, the city urges people to take precautions when in contact with the Kansas River. The release states that waters contaminated with wastewater overflow present several health hazards to humans and that anyone who comes into contact with the water should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking.
The release states that the city will remain in contact with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the City of Topeka. If residents have questions they can contact Municipal Services and Operations at 832-7800.
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