Millions of gallons of raw sewage runs off each day into the Potrero Creek, in Nogales Arizona, after a cross-border pipeline ruptured. Officials say the manhole structure collapsed after a powerful rainstorm. City Manager Carlos Rivera stated there was no easy fix, “To actually get in there and do anything is beyond the city’s capabilities. There needs to be dewatering, pump-around, engineering – we’re looking at a significant expense that is beyond the city.”
Prior to the break, city officials apparently sent a notice of to the International Boundary and Water Commission about detected erosion and an exposed area on the sewer line. The city neglected to repair the exposed area and are now left with the troubling mess of sewage spillover.
The sewage runoff is not only unsightly, but could carry potential health problems. Polluted waters may contain several disease-causing organisms such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis, respiratory illness, and ear, nose, and throat problems. Gastroenteritis is another way of putting the “stomach flu” or symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, nausea, headache and fever. All of these possible threats could have been prevented with proper plumbing precautions.
While officials were able to detect exposure in Nogale, Arizona’s pipes, many homeowners don’t have the same luxury. If you have aging or improperly installed pipes, you could run the same risk of having a pipe burst. Fortunately, there are warning signs that a pipe is in need of repair.
