(HARTFORD)— Given the significant rainfall that has occurred due to Storm Ida, many areas across the state have experienced discharges of untreated sewage. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising against direct contact with surface water in areas in close proximity to drainage pipes statewide, particularly in urban areas such as Bridgeport, Hartford, Waterbury, Middletown, Meriden, Wallingford, Stamford, Norwalk, Norwich, and the greater New Haven area within 48 hours of the end of the rainfall in Connecticut’s streams and rivers. Residents are advised not to swim, fish, or utilize paddlecraft in these areas.
Regarding DEEP designated swim areas, DEEP tested water quality at state park swim areas on Monday and Tuesday of this week. For the latest water quality report, please refer to the State Swimming Area Water Quality Report. These test results are the most current, though with the significant amount of rainfall from Storm Ida, DEEP and DPH remind residents that heavy rain events such as this may cause water quality to degrade due to stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows.
Additionally, water levels around the state are very high, with the possibility of strong currents and hazardous debris present in rivers and streams. DEEP advises anyone considering getting on or in rivers and streams to wait until water levels go down. Anyone who is considering water-based recreation in or around moving water should use extreme caution.
