UPDATE: Lake Alert lifted for Lake Estelle, Lake Rowena and Lake Sue
UPDATE: City of Lake Alert lifted by the City of Orlando
The City of Orlando has lifted the below advisory on Lakes Estelle, Rowena and Sue. Resume all normal recreational activities.
Questions? Call the City of Orland at 407-246-2220.
Original Alert:
To address citizen concerns related to water quality, the Stormwater Section has developed a public information system, "Lake Alert," to provide seasonal and localized warnings for City of Orlando lakes. An announcement has been provided below regarding the lake(s) where water quality has been a concern.
Type of water quality concern: Possible elevated E. coli counts due to a sanitary sewer overflow
Location: Lake Shore Drive, near the intersection of N Mills Avenue
Cause: Severe evening thunderstorm caused power outage in the area, including the City's lift station. Estimated 350,000 gallons of sanitary waste was discharged. Impacted lakes were Lake Estelle and Lake Rowena.
City Response: OUC was called to restore power in the area. City Water Reclamation vactor crews transported sanitary waste to an alternate lift station. In addition, City crews set up a bypass pump to divert waste into another lift station until power is restored. Crews will be cleaning the impacted areas once the lift station is operational. Warning signs will be placed around the lakes on August 10, 2020.
Out of a preponderance of caution, the City of Orlando has also issued a Lake Alert for Lake Sue, situated immediately downstream of Lake Rowena.
The City is advising that water contact activities associated with Lake Estelle, Lake Rowena and Lake Sue cease until further notice, including irrigation. City Stormwater personnel will collect water samples on a routine basis. Once E. coli counts drop to acceptable State Water Quality Standards, the Lake Alert Hotline number and the City's Lake Alert website will be updated.
Public Notification: Please continue to call the Lake Alert number, (407) 246-2220, for the most up-to-date information regarding your lake. During weekdays, the City's Lake Alert website, orlando.gov/lakealert will also have the latest information.
For further information regarding the sewer discharge, please contact Athena Tipaldos, Water Reclamation Compliance and Public Awareness Program Manager, at athena.tipaldos@orlando.gov. For water quality questions, please contact Lisa Lotti, Stormwater Compliance Manager, at lisa.lotti@orlando.gov.
