THREE RIVERS, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency said on Tuesday they were lifting the No Contact Health Advisory for a portion of the St. Joseph River in St. Joseph County.
Agency officials say residents can again utilize the St. Joseph River for recreational activities.
The advisory was issued after officials of the Three Rivers Wastewater Treatment Plant notified the Health Agency that about 500,000 gallons of untreated waste water was discharged into the river between 9:30 p.m. Friday night and about 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning due a force main break near the Broadway Street Bridge.
This discharge resulted in the issuing of a “No Contact” Health Advisory for the river from the area downstream of the Broadway Street Bridge through Constantine.
Water samples collected by personnel from the Three Rivers Wastewater Treatment Plant on July 14 and July 17 with results reported to the C.H.A. on July 15 and Tuesday showed that the water in the St. Joseph River now contains levels of fecal coliform generally expected to be present.
Coliform is a naturally occurring bacteria that is found in all bodies of surface water all the time.
You can prevent illness from exposure to coliform by bathing and washing all clothing that touched the water, when you complete your activities for the day.
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