(Omaha, NE) -- Restrictions at Zorinsky Lake are lifted after thousands of gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into the lake.
“Water quality tests and observations indicate that no adverse impacts are present in Zorinsky Lake,” a news release from Omaha’s Public Works Department states. “The analysis of the water as several locations were confirmed within safe limits for fresh recreational water per EPA standards for Recreational Water Quality Criteria.”
According to Public Works, a leak was discovered Tuesday afternoon and was contained about 24 hours later. In the meantime, it's estimated that between 7,500 and 29,000 gallons of sewage went into the lake.
Public Works had previously advised caution for those planning to get into the water but said pets shouldn’t swim in the lake at all. No warnings were issued for surface activities like boating and kayaking. Sanitary flows are being diverted to an operating sewer, and the city is mitigating risks to prevent further discharge into the lake, officials said.
The city is also working on a plan to protect the parallel sewer pipe long-term. As a result, further trail closures may be necessary, but advance notifications will be issued by the Omaha Parks Department, the release states.