The Mobile Area Water & Sewer System (MAWSS) responded to a sanitary sewer overflow Aug. 12 at 8890 Dawes Oak Dr., after a third-party contractor broke a low-pressure force main, according to the utility.
Approximately 960 gallons of wastewater overflowed into Fowl River as a result of the break. MAWSS crews said at the time that they had repaired the mainline and were taking steps to prevent future overflows at the location. The overflow was first reported by a citizen.
Update: Two More Overflows Reported at the Same Location
Despite those repairs, the same stretch of pipe on Dawes Oak Drive failed again two days later. MAWSS and the Mobile County Health Department reported that an additional 480 gallons of wastewater overflowed at the location on Aug. 14, followed by a third overflow that same night of approximately 360 gallons. MAWSS said the repeat failures were tied to the same broken low-pressure force main and, as with the initial break, attributed the cause to work by a third-party contractor.
That brings the total to three separate sanitary sewer overflows at 8890 Dawes Oak Drive within a three-day span, all linked to the same contractor-damaged pipe.
Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels is urging residents to avoid the water and soil near the site, including swimming, wading or fishing in the area, until the site is confirmed safe. Health officials note that sanitary sewer overflows can introduce bacteria, viruses and parasites into waterways, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, skin infections and other illnesses in people who come into contact with contaminated water or soil. Anyone who does have contact with the affected water or soil is advised to wash their skin and clothing thoroughly with soap and clean water as soon as possible.
MAWSS has not yet said what additional steps it is taking to permanently resolve the recurring failures at this location.