Health risks fill floodwaters

WI State Journal

...The state Department of Natural Resources reported late last week that at least 161 communities across southern Wisconsin have sent untreated sewage into nearby streams and lakes because of floodwaters that have overwhelmed pumps and pipes, or threatened to short-circuit electrical power in the plants.

That 's more raw sewage flowing into Wisconsin rivers at one time than anybody with the DNR can remember in recent history.

...Kirsti Sorsa, environmental technical supervisor for the department, added that anyone with an open wound or sore who comes in contact with sewage-laden water can develop tetanus.

Most susceptible to such illnesses are children, mostly because of their tendency to explore, said Schneider.

"They love to stomp around in water, ' ' Schneider said, "And it 's not just water in most cases right now. ' '