LAWRENCE — Lawrence officials say heavy rainfall has forced its wastewater treatment plant to shut down, diverting sewage into the Kansas River and nearby streams.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports Thursday that the exceptionally heavy rainfall caused equipment failure at the Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant. The city shut down the plant for repairs.
The heavy rain began Wednesday evening and continued Thursday morning. The National Weather Service forecast a chance of rain remaining into Saturday morning.
The city is advising the public and their pets to avoid contact with any floodwater in low-lying flooded areas because of potential contamination.
The city says the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and municipalities downstream have been notified.
KMBC reports water rescues were needed early Thursday north of downtown Ottawa, where more than 7 inches fell overnight. Some areas saw up to 10 inches.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports that authorities in Douglas County were called to rescue nine people Thursday morning from homes around Lone Star Lake southwest of Lawrence.
County spokeswoman Karrey Britt said three people were rescued from flooding along Washington creek in the Lawrence area, one from a vehicle.
Officials said roads were flooded throughout the county, including the underpass leading into North Lawrence from downtown Lawrence.
