A pipe failure at 1st Avenue and North Drive just south of the State Penitentiary could cause sewage to back up into people's homes and businesses. The pipe carries waste water to the water treatment plant.
Around 8 p.m., the city said sanitary sewage is being discharged into the Big Sioux River south of West 12th Street. Discharges into Covell Lake and overland north of Falls Park are also occurring. The city asks everyone to stay out of these areas.
Water Usage Prohibited On West Side
Mayor Mike Huether requests all residents stop using water, and it's an immediate mandate that west-side residents stop water usage. The mayor encourages people to stop using any water including running water in the sink, shower, doing laundry, flushing toilets, watering lawns, or using water for any other purpose until further notice. You can only use water for drinking purposes; water does not need to be boiled.
[Download a map of the area in Sioux Falls where water usage is prohibited]
Potential Sewer Backups
The city is warning people who live in the north part of Sioux Falls to prepare for potential sewer backups. People are being advised to move critical items to the upper level. Huether is asking neighbors to help neighbors with moving if possible and to alert others in their areas.
Potential sewer backups could occur in the area surrounded by the North Minnesota Avenue Water plant to the north, 26th Street to the south, Western Avenue to the west and Minnesota Avenue to the east.
The City is also asking business owners to allow workers who live in the affected area to go home to deal with the situation.
If any citizens experience sewer backup, please call 367-8600 or 367-8601.
All residents in western Sioux Falls are asked not to use the water until further notice. The City will hold updates throughout the evening.
A news conference is scheduled for 10 p.m. and we will bring you any updates as soon as they become available.
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Photo courtesy: Clay Oster
City crews brought in a large excavator to reach the affected pipe near the State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.
