Wichita officials said Monday that elevated levels of E. coli bacteria have been detected in Four Mile Creek and residents are being urged to stay out of the creek and pond areas and keep their pets away from the water.
The city said a sewer lift station near Founders Circle, in the area of 13th Street North and 127th Street East, overflowed on Saturday because of an equipment failure. That resulted in a sewer overflow estimated at 1.7 million gallons, and wastewater ran into Four Mile Creek near the Redbud Path. A resident reported the issue Sunday and city staff then tested the creek.
City officials said there is no public health risk to the City’s drinking water or anyone walking or living by the creek nor is there any anticipated impact to any fish or local wildlife. Out of an abundance of caution, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a public advisory for people and their pets to keep out of the water.
The city will continue to test the water daily and KDHE will lift the advisory when E. coli levels return to normal.
