Portland is warning residents to stay away from Woods Creek in Southwest Portland after a sewage release from a private property was reported flowing into the waterway Oct. 21.
The city's Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) issued a public health advisory Oct. 22 after crews responded to the report near SW 59th Ave. and SW Logan Ct. The release was ongoing as of that advisory, and the cause remained under investigation.
Woods Creek is a tributary to Fanno Creek. Both waterways may carry elevated bacteria levels downstream.
BES advised the public to avoid contact with Woods Creek and Fanno Creek west of SW 59th Ave. due to the possibility of increased bacteria in the water. Warning signs have been posted in the area, and the bureau urged residents to follow all posted signage.
The advisory did not name the property owner or describe the volume of the release. No update on whether the release has stopped has been published as of Oct. 26.
How to prevent sewage releases
BES said most sewage releases are preventable. The most common causes are pipes clogged by cooking grease poured down kitchen drains, wet wipes that are flushed, and tree roots that infiltrate sewer lines.
The bureau's guidance:
- Flush only human waste and toilet paper. Wet wipes are not flushable.
- Collect cooking grease, oil and fat in a container and throw it in the trash. Grease that is liquid when poured down a drain solidifies inside pipes.
- Keep all materials out of storm drains, which are designed for rainfall only.
Residents who see or experience a sewer overflow can call the city's 24-hour hotline at 503-823-1700.
