UPDATE Sunday Sept. 1st. The City of Everett says Howarth Park and Pigeon Creek park remain closed. More tests will be done on Labor Day

UPDATE: Saturday Aug 31st 4:00pm – The City of Everett announced this afternoon water quality sample results show that water has returned to normal background levels at Langus Park, Rotary Park and Jetty Island. These beaches are now open for swimming.

Howarth Park and Pigeon Creek Park continue to be closed. Water samples have been taken today and will be available Sunday afternoon.

Well it wasn’t particularly pretty and it smelled ugly as well. Today the City of Everett is revealing how badly the sewers were affected by Thursday’s downpour…

Due to heavy rainfall, 11 of 13 combined sewer outfalls overflowed into the Snohomish River and Port Gardner Bay in Everett Thursday evening, Aug. 29. In addition, a sewer lift station overflowed near Pigeon Creek for approximately 20 minutes. Crews estimate that more than 30 homes in central and north Everett were affected by the overflow.

Water quality samples have been taken near the outfall locations and results will be available Saturday, Aug. 31. Residents and visitors are warned to avoid contact with water at the outfall locations. Crews have posted “No swimming or wading” signs at these beaches and water access points: Howarth Park, Pigeon Creek Beach, Langus Park, Rotary Park and Jetty Island. Samples will be taken each day and signs will remain in place until the water quality returns to normal levels.

Everett Public Works officials have notified local agencies including State departments of Health and Ecology, Snohomish Health District and Port of Everett.

Overflows occurred at Puget Sound outfalls 01, 02, 03, 05, 06, and 07, and at Snohomish River outfalls 01, 02, 04, 07 and 08. For locations and current status, visit www.everettwa.org/CSOMap/CSOMap.aspx.

Residents whose homes have been affected by the overflows should call public works dispatch at 425-257-8821 to make a report.

Combined sewer system

Combined sewer systems are sewers that are designed to collect rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater in the same pipe. Under normal operation, 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.

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. Each outfall location is identified by signs warning people not to swim or fish at the outfalls during rainstorms and for at least 24 hours following rainstorms.

For more information on Everett’s combined sewer system, visit www.ci.everett.wa.us/default.aspx?ID=1639.