(THREE RIVERS) – An estimated 50,000 gallons of untreated wastewater was discharged into the St. Joseph River.

Taylor Davis, Wastewater Superintendent for the City of Three Rivers, says the issue was identified at 3:30 PM Monday. The sanitary sewer overflow was due to complications during transition to the new pump station on Broadway Street.

Persons are advised to avoid any body contact with the St. Joseph River from the Broadway Street Bridge to the Withers Road Bridge. This advisory includes any type of body contact with the river for recreational activities such as tubing, kayaking, swimming, canoeing, or fishing. It is also advised to keep animals out of the water.

The advisory is in effect until water samples from the river have been analyzed and demonstrate that coliform levels are back at normally expected amounts.

Anyone having contact with the river after 3:30 PM on Monday is advised to take a shower and wash any clothing that was in contact with the river. Pets
should also be bathed if they were in contact with the water.

If you have concerns about your health, contact your provider.