(Spirit Lake)– That two inches of rain we received Thursday night was more than what Spirit Lake’s sewer system could handle. Because of it, the city had to pump diluted wastewater into East Lake Okoboji for awhile Friday. There was no immediate word on how much sewage went into the lake.
The city has taken water samples and notified Central Water and the cities of Milford and Wahpeton, who draw drinking water out of West Lake Okoboji…downstream from the bypasses.
The DNR says wastewater got into the lake from various sites throughout Spirit Lake. The problems started around 6:30 a.m. Friday when residents reported seeing water coming up from manholes at 15th Street and Erie Avenue; 12th Street and Gary Avenue; 12th Street and Fargo Avenue and 19th Street and Denver Avenue. Wastewater was also going into the lake near the Highway Nine bridge and in the area of 13th Street and Lake Drive. Children and pets should stay away from those area for 24 hours after repairs have been made and clean-up is complete.
The city was also working with Lakes Regional Healthcare, where sewage backed up into the basement. Several other backups were reported to KUOO news as well.Copyright GCI all rights reserved. Unauthorized publication or broadcast of this material is strictly prohibited.
