City of Topeka advises people to avoid waterways due to excess water in storm, sanitary sewer systems

The city of Topeka has advised Topeka residents to avoid contact with waterways flowing through the city because of heavy rains causing excess water in storm and sanitary sewer systems.

In a news release, city spokeswoman Molly Hadfield said storm water can enter the sewer system through illegally connected residential sump pumps and roof drains.

The excess water is causing areas of the system to flow into nearby waterways, Hadfield said.

Hadfield said the advisory doesn’t affect tap water.

(Read more: Local Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal)