Big Mistake Keeps University Residents Out of the Water

University District residents told to stay away

Signs are posted on the walkways near the water.

University District residents were advised to stay out of the water this Memorial Day weekend, due to a mistake made by King county crew members when they mistakenly diverted 8 million gallons of raw sewage from its proper drain (Laurelhurst Trunk sewage line) and into a Seattle storm drain.

The problem was discovered on Friday, May 23rd, but not before 800,000 gallons of raw sewage a day, for 10 days had drained into Ravenna Creek, Lake Washington, Lake Union and possibly even Puget Sound which are all connected via The Montlake Cut and The Chittenden Locks.

The area most affected by this spill is a one mile stretch known as Ravenna Creek and is very popular for local kayakers and rowers.

Signs are posted on the walkways near the water and boaters are discouraged from coming into contact with the polluted water.