PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A rainstorm has caused Portland’s sewers to overflow, dumping raw waste into the river that cuts through the city.
The city on Saturday recommended the public avoid the Willamette River until Monday. The city’s sewage combines with its stormwater runoff into a system that overflows an average of 50 times per year.
The sewer system is in the last year of a 20-year upgrade. The upgrade will lessen — but not prevent — such overflows.
The city has asked the public to avoid recreational activities like jet skiing in which water could be swallowed. City officials also say people who catch fish in the river should cook them thoroughly and wash their hands after coming in contact with the river water.
