MAWSS Investigating Sewer Overflow Into Halls Mill Creek Near Cypress Shores

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile Area Water & Sewer System is investigating a sanitary sewer overflow near the Cypress Shores subdivision in Mobile, and evidence suggests wastewater has reached Halls Mill Creek, the utility said.

The cause of the Halls Mill Creek sewer overflow has not been determined. MAWSS said the overflow is intermittent and influenced by the tides, which has made it harder to pin down. The overflow was reported by a MAWSS employee, and the utility said more information will be released as it becomes available.

No estimate of how much wastewater has been released was included in the utility’s announcement.

Health officer: Avoid the water

Dr. Kevin Michaels, health officer for Mobile County, is urging residents to take precautions near the affected area. His recommendations:

• Avoid contact with affected water, soil and any obvious sewage.
• Keep children and pets away from ditches, creeks, flooded areas and standing water that may be contaminated.
• Do not swim, wade or fish in posted areas or in water that looks or smells contaminated.
• If you do come into contact with water or soil that may be contaminated, wash your skin and clothing thoroughly with soap and clean water as soon as possible.

That last step is the most important, health officials say.

What a sanitary sewer overflow is

A sanitary sewer overflow, or SSO, happens when untreated or partially treated sewage escapes the sewer system before it reaches a wastewater treatment plant. Overflows can come from a manhole, a broken pipe, a pump station or a building cleanout.

Sewage can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause diarrhea, vomiting, skin infections and other illnesses. That is why health officials advise keeping people and pets out of water that may be affected until conditions improve.

Common causes of overflows include heavy rain that seeps into aging pipes, grease and debris that clog lines, tree roots, pipe breaks and pump station failures. In low-lying coastal areas, tides can push water into or out of sewer infrastructure, which is one reason an intermittent, tide-influenced overflow can be difficult to trace.

About Halls Mill Creek

Halls Mill Creek winds through south Mobile and is a tributary of Dog River, which empties into Mobile Bay. The creek and the Dog River watershed are surrounded by neighborhoods, and the waterways are used for boating, paddling and fishing.

Because the creek is tidally influenced, water levels and flow direction change through the day, which can spread contamination along the waterway and also help dilute it over time.

Recent overflow warnings

The new investigation comes days after Hurricane Isaias moved through the region, when Mobile County health officials warned that heavy rain could cause sewer overflows and urged residents to use caution around local waters. MAWSS has not said whether the Cypress Shores overflow is related to the storm.

Who oversees sewer overflows

MAWSS is the public water and sewer utility for the city of Mobile and surrounding areas. It is governed by the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners of the City of Mobile.

Utilities in Alabama are required to report sanitary sewer overflows to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, which regulates wastewater systems under state and federal clean water rules. Utilities also typically notify local health officials so they can advise the public, as happened in this case.

What residents can do

• Stay out of the water: Avoid Halls Mill Creek near Cypress Shores and any ditches or standing water that may be affected until officials say conditions have improved.
• Watch kids and pets: Keep them away from creek banks, ditches and flooded areas.
• Wash up: Use soap and clean water on skin and clothing after any possible contact.
• Watch for symptoms: Anyone who develops diarrhea, vomiting or a skin infection after contact with the water should contact a health care provider.
• Report problems: Residents who see sewage leaking from a manhole or pipe can report it to MAWSS.

MAWSS said it will share more information as its investigation continues.