Sioux Falls Sanitary Sewer Health Emergency Declared
July 30, 2010
Based on information and reports received by the City of Sioux Falls, a sanitary sewer health emergency has been issued by Public Health Director Jill Franken for the affected areas of the city.
At this time citizens should take appropriate precautions to minimize exposure related to flood waters, sewer backups, areas of town where pumping stations are pumping from the sanitary sewer system into curb and gutter, as well as water from the Big Sioux River.
Because flood waters may contain potentially dangerous materials such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, citizens are encouraged to:
Wear protective clothing when cleaning up flooded homes.
Use a disinfectant, such as bleach (1 ounce to 1 gallon of water) when
cleaning contaminated surfaces.
Seek appropriate medical care if a person becomes injured or ill as a result of
working in flood waters.
Specific information on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that have been contaminated by flood water or sewage is available on the City of Sioux Falls website (www.siouxfalls.org) or through contact with the Health Department at 605-367-8760.
