Power Outage, Heavy Storm Cause Sewage Spill into River by Carl Baker - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

JULY
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Power Outage, Heavy Storm Cause Sewage Spill into River

By Carl Baker, Community Writer
August 11, 2014 at 11:02am. Views: 51

A spill at the Redlands Water Treatment plant on Nevada Street, caused by a power outage combined with a heavy deluge of storm water, recently released up to 600,000 gallons of partially treated raw sewage into the rain-swollen Santa Ana River. A combination of a Southern California Edison power outage in the area and heavy rainfall and storm water flowing from above the treatment plant adding water into treatment reservoirs caused the reservoirs to overflow for a little more than two hours Sunday, Aug. 3, between 9 and 11:30 p.m. The wastewater treatment plant is downstream from the city’s potable water production facilities and no drinking water was contaminated. In addition, the nearest well is two miles up-gradient from the spill area and consequently unaffected. The power outage, which affected portions of northwest Redlands and unincorporated county areas, occurred at 6:10 p.m. city crews used generators to restore partial power to the plant, but were unable to keep up with the additional heavy flow from the weekend storm adding to the treatment reservoirs. The city alerted the State Water Resources Control Board of the spill. City of Redlands Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department staff stated drinking water both in Redlands and downstream communities remains safe. “We want to assure city of Redlands customers that all the water we deliver is completely safe and is not affected by the recent spill,” said Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Fred Mousavipour. In addition, the partially-treated sewage moving downstream would be diluted by the heavy flow in the river before reaching any water facilities in Riverside or Orange counties, where the water would be disinfected.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 219

Volunteers prepare comfort items for cancer patients as part of a community outreach effort supporting individuals and families throughout their treatment journey.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT for City News Group.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 191

Workers prepare customer orders inside a modern Inland Empire distribution center, one of several industries expanding seasonal hiring throughout the region this summer.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI generated image

By William Cortez, Community Writer

May 6, 2026 at 01:50pm. Views: 325

Researchers examine food samples and data as part of a community nutrition and public health study.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Paige Sullivan, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 236

A family meets an adoptable dog with the assistance of an Animal Services employee, highlighting the important role local shelters play in finding loving homes for pets while promoting responsible pet ownership.

Photo Courtesy of: sbcityecondev

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 220

A dispatch workstation inside the new Valley Communications Center showcases the advanced technology used by emergency communications professionals to coordinate police, fire, and emergency medical responses across the San Bernardino region.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Ellison, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 278

Shoppers browse fresh produce, locally made goods, and artisan products during the weekly Court Street Farmers Market, supporting local farmers, small businesses, and the continued revitalization of downtown San Bernardino.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Evan Hollis, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 212

Children cool off at a city splash pad while families enjoy shaded recreation areas during a hot summer day, highlighting San Bernardino's efforts to provide safe places for residents to beat the heat.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Caleb Monroe, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 249

Participants in the Redlands Emergency Services Academy receive hands-on instruction from firefighters as they explore careers in public safety.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Brooke Langley, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 223

Volunteers assist residents in repairing household items during a community Repair Café, helping extend the life of everyday belongings instead of sending them to landfills.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Vanessa Hart, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 217

Shoppers browse fresh produce and locally made goods during the Downtown Morning Market, supporting regional farmers and small businesses.

Photo Courtesy of: University of Redlands

By University of Redlands, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 224

The University of Redlands entrance welcomes students, faculty, and visitors as the institution begins a new chapter following its historic merger with Woodbury University.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Paige Sullivan, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 221

Summer fun begins with safety first. Families who practice swimming skills together help children gain confidence while creating lasting memories in and around the water.

--> -->