(ANGOLA) - The City of Angola has issued a public notice warning that a combined sewer overflow may occur during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt.
City officials say the wastewater treatment system includes pipes that carry both stormwater and sanitary sewage. When heavy rain or melting snow overwhelms the system, it can cause sewage and stormwater to overflow into nearby waterways.
Officials say wastewater contamination may be present downstream from the Angola Wastewater Treatment Plant during or for several days after heavy rainfall.
Residents are advised to avoid swimming, wading, or accidentally ingesting water in affected areas because it may contain bacteria that could cause illness.
The notice says bacteria levels typically return to normal within about 72 hours after an overflow event.
City officials say a second notice will be issued within 24 hours providing details about the storm event and any confirmed sewer overflow.