April 29, 2016 – The region’s three rivers provide ample opportunities for fun, and ALCOSAN’s advisory program that goes into effect on Sunday, May 1, is designed to keep outdoor enthusiasts safe.

ALCOSAN issues warnings to the public if the sewer system becomes overloaded because the risk of untreated stormwater and sewage getting into rivers and streams increases under those conditions.

The Sewer Overflow Advisory Key – SOAK – notifies people when they should limit direct contact with river water. While these programs do not prohibit or discourage recreational river activities, they do caution users because overflows can be a source of bacteria, which may be harmful if swallowed or exposed to an open wound.

That’s why it’s important for people who use the rivers – boaters, water skiers, swimmers, kayakers, rowers and those who fish – to check the conditions. There are four ways to do so.

• Register with ALCOSAN to receive advisories by email or text message at
  http://www.alcosan.org/SewerOverflowAdvisories/. The notices arrive between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily when overflows occur, when overflows end but the rivers may still be impaired, and when the rivers are back to normal. Messaging rates may apply.
• Check ALCOSAN’s website, www.ALCOSAN.org. SOAK notifications are displayed indicating whether advisories are in effect or not.
• Call the Overflow Hotline at 412-734-6249 to hear a recording with the current status.
• Look for orange flags bearing the letters CSO, indicating a Combined Sewer Overflow, at the following locations: On the Allegheny River at Silky’s Crows Nest and Marina, the Fox Chapel Yacht Club, Washington’s Landing Marina and the Three Rivers Rowing Club; on the Monongahela River at the South Side and Braddock boat ramps; and on the RiverQuest ship in the Ohio River. These flags remain raised until 48 hours after the overflows have ended.

The warning system remains in effect from May 1 through October 31.