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URGENT HEALTH ADVISORY: AVOID CONTACT WITH LOWER RIVER ROUGE SOUTH OF CANTON
URGENT HEALTH ADVISORY: AVOID CONTACT WITH LOWER RIVER ROUGE SOUTH OF CANTON
Date: August 25th, 2023
Issued by:
Warren C. Evans, Wayne County Executive
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Wayne County Health Officer
To All Residents,
Due to the severity of the recent flooding, the City of Canton was compelled to discharge partially treated wastewater into the Lower River Rouge. As a result, citizens should avoid contact with the Lower River Rouge downstream of the City of Canton.
Health Risks:
The partially treated wastewater released into the river may contain various contaminants, including pathogens and chemicals that could pose health risks to anyone who comes into contact with the water. These contaminants could lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and other waterborne diseases.
Precautionary Measures:
We strongly advise all residents to take the following precautionary measures:
- Avoid All Contact: Refrain from swimming, wading, kayaking, boating, or any form of direct contact with the river water until further notice. This includes avoiding any recreational activities that involve the river.
- Keep Pets Away: Ensure that your pets are kept away from the river water as well, as they can also be susceptible to the contaminants present in the water.
- Hygiene Practices: If you inadvertently come into contact with the river water, immediately wash the exposed areas of your body with soap and clean water. Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and eyes, after being in or around the river.
- Avoid Consuming Fish: If you engage in fishing, we recommend refraining from consuming any fish caught from the river during this time, as they may be affected by the effluent discharge.
Stay Informed:
We are actively working with the City of Canton and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to monitor the situation and assess the water quality. We will provide updates as the situation evolves and the health risks are better understood.
Please share this advisory with your neighbors, friends, and family members to ensure everyone's safety and well-being. The health and safety of our community are our top priorities, and we appreciate your cooperation during this challenging time.
