The last week’s oftentimes torrential rains have sent Dundee officials scurrying after word came that the city had discharged millions of partially treated wastewater into the Willamette River.
According to city officials, the overflow began at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Jan. 23 and amounted to more than 4.46 million gallons as measured by flow meters at the plant located southwest of town. The overflow ended Wednesday morning, Jan. 31, City Manager Steve Dahl said.
A Jan. 26 alert advised local citizens to avoid contact with the river during the “high flow event.” The advisory continued Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Word of the mishap caused Dundee officials to alert the state’s Office of Drinking Water Program and the city of Wilsonville, which draws some of its drinking water from the Willamette River.
“The city has notified all the proper authorities and downstream users,” the Jan. 26 release from the city said. “We are working to resolve the issue and resume normal operations.”
City officials reassured residents that despite the spill, their drinking water is safe.