Haysville ‘Big Ditch’ stream now safe for use after recent sewer overflow, officials say
Officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment lifted a stream advisory in Haysville Friday after a recent sewer overflow exposed the waterway to potentially elevated levels of E. coli and other harmful contaminants.
Residents were advised to avoid part of the MS “Mitch” Mitchell Floodway, also referred to as the “Big Ditch,” on Dec. 2 after failed pipes led to a sewer overflow. The impacted area stretched from east of Haysville South Seneca Street bridge to the Arkansas River west of Derby.
Whenever a sewage overflow occurs, public works must make a report to KDHE, which then conducts water testing and issues advisories as needed. Once the appropriate repairs are made, another sample is sent to the state department to determine if bacteria and contaminant levels are within an acceptable range.
During the advisory, residents and animals were encouraged to avoid swimming in or drinking from the waterway. Now that the stream advisory has been lifted, primary contact — which refers to swimming and livestock use — is safe again.
