For immediate release
Inclement weather causes sewage overflow
Hillsboro, OR — January 02, 2009—
Sustained rain over the past 24 hours caused an overflow of diluted sewage from Clean Water Services’ diversion structure on the Tualatin River in Tualatin early Friday morning. Area residents and pets are advised to avoid contact with flood waters. Raw sewage that may be overflowing is highly diluted by rainwater which helps reduce the public health risks, but bacteria are still present.
Crews posted sewage overflow warning signs in areas accessible to the public. Signs will be removed when water samples show no evidence of sewage.
Clean Water Services is a water resources management utility for more than 500,000 people in urban Washington County and small portions of Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Lake Oswego, and Portland. Clean Water Services operates four wastewater treatment facilities, constructs and maintains flood management and water quality projects, and manages flow in the Tualatin River to improve water quality and protect fish habitat. Although Clean Water Services maintains a close working relationship with Washington County government, it is a separately managed and financed public utility.
# # #