Hamilton County Public Health is warning Anderson Township residents and their pets to stay away from Dry Run Creek after a sewage discharge contaminated the waterway near State Route 32 and 8 Mile Road.

The health department issued the advisory on Wednesday, July 15, after investigating a discharge first reported to agencies on Wednesday, June 24. Heavy water flows in the creek eroded its banks and damaged sewer infrastructure, sending sewage into the waterway, according to the HCPH alert.

The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati has since diverted and stopped the active discharge. No sewage was flowing into the creek as of the July 15 alert. MSD is developing a permanent repair, though no timeline has been announced.

Craig Davidson, HCPH's assistant health commissioner for environmental health services, said the department is working closely with MSD on the response and called the collaboration critical to keeping Hamilton County residents safe.

HCPH is advising residents to avoid swimming, boating, or playing in or near the creek; keep bare skin out of the water; and wash hands, clothing, and footwear thoroughly if they must be in the area. Exposure to contaminated water may cause illness, the department said.

The Dry Run Creek situation is part of broader sewer system stress across the region. MSD received more than 1,500 flooding and sewer backup reports following major rainstorms on Friday, July 17, and Tuesday, July 21, according to an Axios report.

The advisory remains in effect.

No updated notice confirming the creek is safe for public use has been issued as of Tuesday, July 28. Residents can call MSD at 513-244-1300 or check the district's combined sewer overflow map at msdgc.org for active discharges. To report sewage issues, contact HCPH at 513-946-7000.