More than 12,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater spilled from a sewage treatment plant Friday into the South Platte River, and the state health department has issued a warning for people and pets to avoid making any contact with river water until Sunday morning as a precaution.
The spill Friday morning at the Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant was caused by debris plugging an inside plant sewer line, according to health department officials.
The department said although the water spill did not contain raw sewage and is considered to be a low health risk, they still want people and pets to avoid the river in the area from West Dartmouth Avenue to Commerce City.
Water samples are being tested along that stretch of the South Platte to determine the levels of contamination, and lab results should be available by Saturday afternoon, said Steve Gunderson, head of the department’s water quality and control division.
The health department suggests people and pets avoid anything that may have come in contact with the water.
Anyone who has been exposed to the water and has open wounds is advised to seek medical treatment for tetanus/diphtheria shots or booster shots.
Staff writer Annette Espinoza can be reached at 303-820-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com.
