Sewage leak affecting Macomb, Washington townships

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — A ruptured sanitary sewer in Washington Township has placed Macomb and Washington townships under a 72-hour public health advisory.

According to a Jan. 29 press release from the Macomb County Health Department, a damaged sewer main near the intersection of Hayes Road and 25 1/2 Mile Road in Washington Township and dumped approximately 21,000 gallons of sewage into the Middle Branch Clinton River on an hourly basis. 

Crews from the Macomb County Health Department, Washington Township Department of Public Works, Macomb Township Department of Public Works and the Macomb County Drain Office worked overnight to “alleviate the impact of the leak,” according to the Macomb County Health Department. A bypass to reroute the sewage was installed on Jan. 30. 

Longer-term solutions are being pursued and Hayes Road between 25 Mile and 26 Mile roads will continue to be closed until further notice.

Heightened levels of E. coli were detected in the Middle Branch Clinton River in two locations downstream of the rupture. The health advisory remains in effect.

Washington Township residents are instructed to do the following:

• Conserve the use of household water through Friday, January 31.
• Consider using paper plates to avoid having to use water to wash dishes.
• Avoid showering and using the dishwasher and/or washing machine.
• Minimize flushing – if possible, only flush when solids are in the toilet.
• Turn off the water to brush teeth.
• Avoid “pooling” or “ponding” water.

Residents of Washington and Macomb Townships are advised to avoid contact with the Middle Branch Clinton River. If contact is made with sewage:

• Wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling human waste or sewage, including before eating or drinking and after using the toilet.
• Avoid touching face, mouth, eyes, nose, or open sores and cuts while handling human waste or sewage.
• Keep open sores, cuts, and wounds covered with clean, dry bandages.
• Use waterproof gloves to prevent cuts and contact with human waste or sewage.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco or gum while handling human waste or sewage.
• Gently flush eyes with safe water if human waste or sewage comes into contact with the eyes.
• Talk to your doctor or nurse about any symptoms of being sick from sewage.
• Seek appropriate treatment from your doctor if diagnosed with a bacterial or viral illness, or parasite.
• Keep up to date on all your vaccines (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever).