“No Contact” Health Advisory Issued

Monday July 10, 2023

500,000 gallons of untreated wastewater has been discharged into the St. Joseph River

Today, officials of the Three Rivers Wastewater Treatment Plant have notified the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency (BHSJ CHA), that approximately 500,000 gallons of untreated wastewater was discharged into the St. Joseph River starting Friday July 7, 2023 at approximately 9:30 p.m.  The discharge area is located near the Broadway Street Bridge due to a force main break. 

Persons are advised to avoid any body contact with the St. Joseph River downstream from the Broadway Street Bridge through at least Constantine.  This advisory includes any type of body contact with the river for recreational activities such as tubing, kayaking, swimming, canoeing or fishing.  It is also advised to keep animals out of the water. The advisory is in effect until water samples from the river have been analyzed and demonstrate that coliform levels are back at normally expected amounts.  Anyone having contact with the river after 9:30 p.m. Friday is advised to take a shower and wash any clothing that also was in the river. Pets should also be bathed if they were in contact with the water.

Numerous infectious diseases are associated with contact with fecal coliform and this advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure to protect the public’s health.  If you have concerns about your health contact your provider.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment.