Lincoln temporarily diverted a portion of its wastewater flow into Salt Creek early Thursday after heavy rainfall caused extremely high flows into the city’s sewer collection system and treatment facility. The diversion occurred from about 1 to 5 a.m. at the Theresa Street Water Resource Recovery Facility near North 27th Street and Kimco Court.
Lincoln Transportation and Utilities officials said staff partially opened the facility’s bypass gate to reduce the risk of flooding caused by sanitary sewer backups. The diversion stopped once system conditions improved, and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department was notified.
LTU and health officials urged residents to avoid contact with floodwater, including flooded creeks and streams. Floodwater may contain sewage, bacteria, chemicals, animal waste, debris and other contaminants that can cause illness or injury…