Sewage Overflows Into Lake Tobesofkee

Almost 20,000 gallons of sewage spilled into Tobesofkee Creek, which feeds into Lake Tobesofkee, before being stopped.

Officials from Macon Water Authority (M.W.A.) said the spill resulted from a power failure at the North Lizella Lift Station. The station lost power on December 23, but the back-up battery power supply never turn on.

The result of the back-up failure was 19,750 gallons of sewage to overflow into the creek.

Ray Shell of M.W.A. explained the failure of the pump and the software to monitor it has been fixed and updated.

The battery back-up system is functioning properly now, and the M.W.A. says it will continue to monitor the bacteria in the water for one year since the spill began.

Shell explained the amount of sewage dumped is relatively small, when compared to the size of Lake Tobesofkee. Because of this, he says the sewage will easily dissipate into the lake with little concern of adverse affects to the environment.

He said, “We would have concern if this were summer time with recreational activities being on the lake. But at this time of year with the temperatures we have, we don’t think there’s a public health issue here.”