Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reported on July 24, 2018 at 18th and Spruce

UPDATE: As of July 31, bacteria levels had returned to acceptable levels and contaminated creek signs have been removed.

At 7:30 a.m. July 24 an employee from Kansas Gas Service called Water Pollution Control (WPC), stating the manhole near the intersection of 18th and Spruce Streets was overflowing. Upon arrival, WPC staff found the manhole overflowing and the runoff was flowing into the nearby stream.

WPC cleaned the sanitary sewer line and within 20 minutes the flow was back to normal. WPC pumped the contaminated creek water into the sewer line. Staff also flushed the stream with the water remaining in the flush truck.

WPC has taken water samples to test for E. coli and have placed contaminated creek sign in the affected areas. WPC asks residents to stay away from the affected area, from 18th Street to Spruce Street to the bridge on 14 Street.

Once tests show E. coli in the samples are down to acceptable levels, the signs will be removed. WPC asks anyone to contact staff whenever they notice a manhole overflowing. Please call (913) 682-1090, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.