PORTLAND, Ore. — Heavy rainfall caused the Big Pipe system to reach capacity early Saturday morning, with stormwater and sewage overflowing into the Willamette River.
The current overflow affects the stretch of the Willamette River downstream of the Ross Island Bridge, according to the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services. Areas upstream may be affected, as more rain is expected this weekend; Portlanders can expect to see repeated bouts of heavy rain due to a slow-moving atmospheric river that blew in over the region Friday morning.
This is the fifth sewage overflow this year, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services said.
The public is advised to avoid contact with the river during the overflow and 48 hours after it's stopped, due to bacteria in the water, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services said.
Oak Lodge Water Services also reported a sewage overflow around 9 a.m., also affecting the Willamette River. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has been notified, Oak Lodge Water Services said.
The public can follow the overflow by viewing the Big Pipe Tracker online.
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