Public Health Advisories in Place for Swan Creek and Delaware Creek

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department has issued a public health advisory for Swan Creek and its tributaries, including Heilman Ditch, from Eastgate Road to the Maumee River.

Avoid contact with the creek water until further notice.

The public health advisory for Delaware Creek remains in place.

The City of Toledo is actively implementing corrective actions following a series of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) connected to the May 25 collapse of the Arlington Avenue sewer interceptor. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also provided required actions to address a violation of the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

As of today, the overflow into Delaware Creek has stopped as we continue to maximize use of the 30-inch sewer line on Arlington to bypass the failed interceptor. Additionally, a new 12-inch bypass pump was installed to replace two smaller pumps previously in use. This upgrade is expected to nearly double bypass capacity, further relieving pressure on the system.

Weekly water testing of Swan Creek, Heilman Ditch, and Delaware Creek is continuing. Environmental Services will implement additional abatement measures if future testing shows elevated bacteria or contamination levels. We will continue to share updates with the Lucas-County Health Department and the Ohio EPA.

“We appreciate the public’s continued patience as we respond to these concerns and work to correct the situation,” said Doug Stephens, Director of Public Utilities. “Today’s improvements to bypass pumping have already made a visible difference, but we remain committed to full transparency and environmental protection until the Arlington sewer is fully repaired.”

Residents who observe overflowing manholes or water in the basement are encouraged to report them to Engage Toledo, available 24/7 at 419-936-2020.

For more information and to subscribe to project updates, visit: toledo.oh.gov/arlington