Heavy rains trigger Combined Sewer Overflow Warning for Plymouth's Yellow River

Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 1:40 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

4-3-26 Friday News 1 P.M. E-4

Due to recent heavy rainfall and elevated river levels, the City of Plymouth's sewer system and wastewater treatment facility have exceeded capacity, prompting officials to issue a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) warning.

Plymouth Utilities Superintendent Donnie Davidson announced the warning on Thursday afternoon, advising residents that overflows are highly likely over the next 72 hours. The city is strongly urging the public to avoid all contact with water downstream of combined sewer outlets.

Signage has been posted along local waterways to identify the city's 10 combined sewer overflow points where water contact could be hazardous to health. Specifically affected areas include the Yellow River downstream from:

Oakhill Avenue
Klinger Street
Elliot Street
Magnetic / Bird Park Area
Cleveland Street
Sixth Street

The City of Plymouth encourages residents to take protective actions when recreating near urban streams. Officials advise altering activities to avoid water contact—such as walking or biking instead of swimming, wading, or water skiing—especially during and for three days following rain events.

Anyone who does come into contact with the water should wash their hands thoroughly, particularly before eating, or use a waterless hand sanitizer during outings near the river.

Officials also noted that even during dry weather, the potential exists for pollutants to be present in the Yellow River from other sources, including wildlife, upstream users, and groundwater discharges.

Residents who wish to subscribe to or unsubscribe from the city's combined sewer notification emails can contact the Plymouth Wastewater department at wastewater@plymouthin.com or call 574-936-3017.