The plant cannot handle all this water so it gets bypassed to creeks and streams. This water contains sewage which is polluting the creeks. The creeks affected are Steer Creek, which runs through Swimming Pool Park, and Bear Creek, which runs south of town. The contamination enters Steer Creek after it passes through the park, Wrighton said. The holes in the pipes are caused from a variety of things.
Manholes are another problem.
Another problem with the sewer system is the main arteries, which carry the water to the treatment plant. These were put in with the wrong type of pipe in the 1970s and have now corroded out, Wrighton said. This is also the reason for the sewage smell that can often be found south of town. If the bond issue passes, it will take three to four years to fix the system, Wrighton said. The city hired a consulting company that put together a report stating what areas and problems will be most cost-effective to fix.