A blockage in a sewer pipe Monday caused the spill of approximately 13,000 gallons into a creek that feeds directly into Lake Peachtree, which serves as a drinking water reservoir.
The blockage was repaired within two hours, according to information from the Peachtree City Water and Sewerage Authority. As a result of the spill, the authority will be sampling the creek and lake for contamination as required by Georgia water quality control regulations.
The first samples were taken roughly two hours after the overflow was initially reported. The spill into Willow Creek occurred at a manhole in the lower parking lot behind City Hall, sewer officials said.
The blockage was caused by a pipe plug that migrated from a smaller pipe upstream along with accumulated rags and cooking grease, officials said.
Pipe plugs are used to prevent mud and debris from entering the sewer system at construction sites, officials said. The source of the plug is unknown at this time, according to the authority.
Residents and business owners are asked to avoid dumping cooking grease — or any product that is not water soluble — into the sewer system.
The authority also would like to ask for the public’s continued assistance in reporting any potential sewer overflow or maintenance problems they may see and to assure a timely response from the PCWASA staff. Such concerns may be telephoned to 770-487-7993 at any time of day.
The authority has a staff of full-time sewer maintenance employees who inspect and maintain a sewer system that includes 180 miles of sewer lines and 34 lift stations, carrying sewage to two water reclamation facilities otherwise known as treatment plants.
Staff is trained and certified to address any problems that may lead to sewer overflows. Whenever problems are found in the system, the Authority repairs them as soon as possible.
