Update:
On July 19, 2023, the City of Topeka was able to lift the advisory for the Shunganunga Creek. The lift of the advisory comes as a result of multiple samples from the creek returning to normal levels.
—
Original release:
The City of Topeka’s Utilities Department is advising Topeka area residents to avoid portions of the Shunganunga Creek until further notice due to a sanitary sewage overflow.
The impacted area of the Shunganunga Creek starts east of Washburn Ave. and south of 21st St., near Rip On Skate Park, and flowing northeast to the Kansas River.
The sanitary sewage overflow was caused by issues at a nearby pump station. As a precaution, residents are advised to avoid contact with the impacted waterway and to keep pets out of the creek. City staff will continue to monitor the water along the Shunganunga Creek, and will provide a notification when the advisory is lifted. This does not impact tap water.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has been notified.
Residents are asked to please avoid the area of the creek outlined on the below map, beginning at the star, and continuing to the Kansas River.
