Beware of Dirty, Contaminated Water After Flooding

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Despite some overnight reports, the Oklahoma City Utility Division said no sewage mains ruptured over Lightning Creek, spilling their contents into the water, but it's possible some raw sewage got into the creek.

Flood waters can overwhelm the underground system, forcing manhole covers up and off, and releasing sewage into the streets.

Cars have been seen in the creek, and it's likely that oil and gasoline have leaked out into the water. Plus, runoff from yards can carry all kinds of contaminants into the stream, including fertilizers and animal waste.

Raymond Suter lives near the creek with his wife and three children. The water crept up to their back fence Thursday night, and he had to keep alert to keep his children from splashing in the water.

"They wanted to go swimming out in it, but I couldn't let them, of course," Suter said.

None of the contaminated water in Lightning Creek will reenter the Oklahoma City water supply. The water will eventually flow east, downstream, out of Oklahoma City to other communities, but those communities will be required to treat the water before it enters their municipal water system.

More: Water Safety Tips