Heavy rainfall triggers Sewer Overflow Warning for Yellow River in Plymouth

Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has overwhelmed the City of Plymouth's sewer system and wastewater treatment facility, resulting in a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) and prompting officials to issue a public health warning.

Utilities Superintendent Donnie Davidson announced Wednesday afternoon that current weather conditions indicate a strong possibility of continued overflows over the next 72 hours. Residents are strongly advised to avoid all contact with water downstream of combined sewers.

The warning applies to several sections of the Yellow River, specifically downstream from the following locations:

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

To ensure public safety, the city is encouraging residents to take protective actions when recreating near urban streams. Officials advise avoiding any contact with the water during the rain and for at least three days afterward.

Residents are urged to alter their recreational plans to activities that do not involve water contact, such as walking or biking along the stream rather than swimming, wading, or water skiing. Anyone who does come into contact with the water should wash their hands thoroughly—especially before eating—and utilize waterless hand sanitizer during outdoor outings.

Signage has been posted along local waterways identifying the city's 10 combined sewer overflow points where water contact could be hazardous to health. Officials also noted that even during dry weather, pollutants can still be present in the Yellow River from other sources, including wildlife, upstream users, and groundwater discharges.

Residents wishing to subscribe to future email notifications regarding sewer overflows can contact the City of Plymouth Wastewater Department at wastewater@plymouthin.com or call 574-936-3017.