Water Quality
Sewage overflows and backups do not just cause offensive odors and leave toilet paper and other unsightly debris behind.
They can cause a public health hazard.
After heavy rains, many Hamilton County streams and rivers do not meet Ohio state standards for recreational activities such as wading or swimming. Habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms is also degraded.
Overflows are a main source of E. coli bacteria in local water. If you swallow water with high levels of E. coli, you can become ill. Raw sewage can also contain viruses and other pathogens.
Potential Public Health Threat
To alert the public to this potential health threat, MSD has posted signs
like this at CSO locations throughout Hamilton County advising citizens to avoid contact with the water during and after heavy rains:
It is recommended that people not swim, wade, boat, or fish for at least three days (72 hours) after a rainfall of a quarter inches or more or until high water levels in area rivers or streams return to normal.
MSD also issues CSO advisories by email and via a CSO telephone information line whenever a rainfall of a quarter inches or more is predicted for Hamilton County.
If you would like to receive an email notification, please send an email to MSD.Communications@cincinnati-oh.gov. You may also call the CSO Information Line at (513) 244-5116.
