TOLEDO, Ohio — The City of Toledo said in a recent update that public health advisories placed at Delaware Creek, Swan Creek and Heilman Ditch are still in effect due to E. coli levels.
The public health advisories stem from last week’s discovery of a sewer overflow that was connected to the collapse of a major sewer interceptor on Arlington Avenue. A strong odor was reported by residents, which led the city to discover the overflow. There was a partial collapse of the interceptor in early May that caused similar overflows, and then it fully collapsed, blocking all flow through the 48-inch sanitary main, the city explained.
In Monday’s update, Toledo officials said there are no active overflows at this time. The city added that water testing from over the weekend showed a large reduction in E. coli in Delaware Creek since the overflow has stopped.
Water testing from Saturday shows a significant reduction in E. coli in Delaware Creek now that the overflow has stopped, but levels remain above safe thresholds.
However, the public health advisories remain in effect as E. coli levels remain above safe thresholds, the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department said in a statement to Spectrum News 1.
This week, the city put up signage at the affected areas, warning residents to stay away from the water. The city said it will continue to comply with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency standards and will complete daily reporting, public notification and weekly waterway testing.
