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Public Health Advisory issued in response to sanitary sewer leak in Washington Township

Press Release

The Macomb County Health Department, along with Washington Township is issuing a public health advisory in response to a sanitary sewer leak identified in Washington Township. The damaged sewer main is located near the intersection of Hayes Road and 25 1/2 Mile Road in Washington Township. Currently, approximately 21,000 gallons of sewage is flowing into the Middle Branch of the Clinton River in Macomb Township on an hourly basis. 

Crews are currently assessing the situation and are actively working to alleviate the impact of the leak. Current plans call for the development of a bypass that re-route sewage around the leak to be completed by Thursday, January 30. After the bypass is established, longer term solutions will be established and activated.

As a result of the damaged sewer main, Washington Township residents are advised to:

  • Conserve the use of household water through Friday, January 31
    • Consider using paper plates to avoid having to use water to wash dishes.
    • Avoid showering and using the dishwasher and/or washing machine.
    • Minimize flushing – if possible, only flush when solids are in the toilet.
    • Turn off the water to brush teeth.
  • Avoid “pooling” or “ponding” water.

In addition, Washington Township and Macomb Township residents are advised to:

  • Avoid direct contact with the middle branch of the Clinton River
  • If you have contact with human sewage
    • Wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling human waste or sewage—including:
      • Before eating or drinking
      • After using the toilet
    • Avoid touching face, mouth, eyes, nose, or open sores and cuts while handling human waste or sewage.
    • Keep open sores, cuts, and wounds covered with clean, dry bandages.
    • Use waterproof gloves to prevent cuts and contact with human waste or sewage.
    • Do not smoke or chew tobacco or gum while handling human waste or sewage.
    • Gently flush eyes with safe water if human waste or sewage comes into contact with the eyes.
    • Talk to your doctor or nurse about any symptoms of being sick from sewage.
    • Seek appropriate treatment from your doctor if diagnosed with a bacterial or viral illness, or parasite.
    • Keep up to date on all your vaccines (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever)

 

Department:Health
Type:
Press Release