Health alert: 142,000 gallons of raw sewage spills into Lake Erie

A public advisory has been issued after more than 142,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Lake Erie due to severe weather.

Early Wednesday morning, The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District issued the advisory for Edgewater beach after sewage overflowed into the lake.

Tuesday’s heavy rains led to an estimated 142,6000 gallons of a combination of raw sewage and stormwater discharging into Lake Erie in 15 minutes, the press release said.

In a press release the Sewer District said:

“Our region has experienced many strong storms in recent years, an ongoing trend that we will see more of in the future,” said Director of Watershed Programs Frank Greenland.

“CSOs, along with flooding and streambank erosion, all impact water quality throughout our region Fortunately, the Sewer District is developing a regional solution to manage these sizeable issues and protect our region’s greatest natural resource: Lake Erie.”

Water quality is rated as “poor”

Visitors to Lake Erie, particularly children, the elderly and those in ill health are advised to avoid contact with the water and debris.

The water quality is rated as “poor” on Wednesday.

Warning signs have now been posted for “poor water quality” at Edgewater Beach.

Please help share this warning to everyone you know!