Getting word from the city of Everett that the heavy rainfall is overwhelming the city’s sewer system. Here’s the update as of 5:00pm…

Due to heavy rainfall in Everett, ten of twelve combined sewer outfalls overflowed into the Snohomish River and Port Gardner Bay today. One of the sewer lift stations in the separated system also overflowed for approximately 55 minutes early afternoon. The lift station was at full operations throughout this period. Quantities are unknown at this time.

Everett has notified local agencies including State departments of Health and Ecology, Snohomish Health District and Port of Everett.

Overflows have occurred at Puget Sound Outfalls 01, 02, 05, 06, and 07; and at our Snohomish River Outfalls 01, 02, 04, 07, and 08. For locations and current status please go tohttp://www.everettwa.org/CSOMap/CSOMap.aspx.

The combined sewer overflow locations are identified by signs which are posted near each combined sewer outfall. These signs warn people not to swim or fish at these outfalls during rainstorms or for at least 24 hours following rainstorms.Combined sewer overflows contain bacteria and pathogens that could make someone sick if they swallow water or eat fish that have come in contact with combined sewer overflow.

Combined sewer systems are sewers that are designed to collect rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater in the same pipe. Most of the time, the combined sewer system conveys all of the wastewater to the Everett Water Pollution Control Facility, where it is treated and then discharged to either the Snohomish River or Port Gardner Bay. During periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, however, the wastewater volume in a combined sewer system can exceed the capacity of the sewer system. For this reason, the combined sewer system is designed to overflow occasionally and discharge directly to the Snohomish River or Port Gardner Bay.