Manitou Beach, MI – Lenawee County government officials have released a list of “Frequently Asked Questions in Relation to the Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) at Devils Lake.” Here is the text from a document released today:
What is a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO)?
An overflow occurs when sanitary sewage leaves its intended area and enters the environment.
Why was an advisory issued for Devils Lake?
The Lenawee County Health Department was notified on 5/22/23 by the Lenawee County Drain Commission of a sanitary sewer overflow on the northern shore of Devils Lake. Out of an abundance of caution, the Health Department issued an advisory for the lake until water sample results can be obtained that show the water quality of the lake meets Michigan’s Water Quality Standards for E. coli.
What was the cause of the sewage release?
The Rollin Woodstock Sanitary Drain Drainage District is currently in the middle of a very large project to upgrade and replace 18 lift stations in the Devils and Round Lake Area. One of the stations is currently being bypassed by two portable pumps. Due to an issue with the bypass pumping, a sewer main backed up and was leaking from around a manhole lid and into the adjacent lake. The leak has been eliminated and sample testing has begun in connection with standards set by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy through the Lenawee County Health Department.
What does an “advisory” mean? Will I get in trouble if I enter the water?
The purpose of the advisory is to inform the public that the water quality of the lake may have been impacted or impaired by the overflow of sanitary sewage. There is no penalty or fine for those who choose to enter or come into contact with the water.
Am I in danger? I entered or came into contact with the water within the last couple of days, should I be concerned?
You should always avoid the impacted areas from a sewer overflow. By not exposing yourself to the raw sewage or the impacted areas, you greatly lower your risk of potential health issues. The sanitary sewage overflow began on 5/20/23 based on information reported to the Drain Commission. Any residents with health concerns are encouraged to contact their doctor.
Is it safe to swim?
If there is an advisory in effect, we do not advise swimming in the lake.
Is it safe to go boating?
If there is an advisory in effect, we recommend staying out of the lake entirely until Lenawee County Health Department personnel have lifted the advisory.
Will I get any diseases from contact?
Sewage can contain different types of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that can cause intestinal, lung, and other infections. This is why when an advisory is in effect, we do not encourage resuming any normal water activities until it has been lifted.
What about Round Lake?
The sanitary sewage overflow occurred at the northern shore of Devils Lake. Based on the location and volume of the spill, the advisory is only in effect for Devils Lake at this time.
What part of the lake has been affected?
The overflow of sanitary sewage occurred on the northern shore of Devils Lake, approximately in the area of 6190 US 223, Addison. Out of an abundance of caution, the advisory has been applied to the entirety of Devils Lake.
Can you provide an estimate of the time frame for when the testing will be completed on Devils Lake? Will this be done by Memorial Day Weekend?
At this time there is not an estimated date on when sampling will be completed or when the advisory will be lifted. Water quality testing is being conducted by the Lenawee County Drain Commission to evaluate the water quality of the lake. A press release will be issued for the lifting of the advisory when sample results indicate that the water quality of Devils Lake meets the state standards.