Health officials: More than 9,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed into Gum Tree Branch

MOBILE, Ala. – After rains soaked portions of south Alabama on Friday, Prichard Water Company crews responded to a number of sanitary sewer overflows where more than 9,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed into Gum Tree Branch, officials with the water company reported to the Mobile County Health Department.

·         At 705 Sample Street, approximately 1,620 gallons of wastewater overflowed into Gum Tree Branch.

·         At 1,206 Craft Highway, an estimated 2,520 gallons of wastewater also overflowed into Gum Tree Branch between 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.

·         At 211 Patricia St., an estimated 2,340 gallons of wastewater overflowed into Gum Tree Branch.

·         At 830 Strauss St., an estimated 2,340 gallons of wastewater overflowed into Gum Tree Branch between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Dr. Bernard Eichold, Health Officer for the Mobile County Health Department, advises area residents to take precautions when coming into contact with any standing water that may have accumulated as a result of these overflows. Those who have come into direct contact with untreated sewage are advised to wash their hands and clothing thoroughly.

Area residents also should take precautions if using Gum Tree Branch for recreational purposes. All seafood harvested in affected areas should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. People should wash their hands after cleaning any fish or other seafood and also before preparing food.