NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — Heavy rains pushed more than 19 million gallons of raw and partially treated sewage and storm water into the Niagara River at the Rainbow Bridge late last week.

The flows bypassed the Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The plant’s age is to blame for the wastewater flowing into the river.

2017 | Niagara Falls tourists react to sewage overflow in Niagara River

The state is investing millions of dollars into the Niagara Falls plant, but long-term solutions are still being studied.