Heavy Rains Cause Wastewater Discharge into Owasco River

Wednesday’s excessive rain caused partially treated wastewater to enter the Owasco River.

According to the Cayuga County Health Department, four combined sewer overflow facilities in the City of Auburn were activated, discharging the wastewater into the river.

Because the city’s drinking water is from Owasco Lake, downstream of the discharge sites, city water is safe to drink.

These sewer overflows are permitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.