Approximately 500 gallons of untreated raw sewage were accidentally released into Kids Creek through a stormwater drain near the Cedar Street/Sixth Street Monday night, prompting the Grand Traverse County Health Department to issue a no-body contact advisory for waterways including Kids Creek (from the Sixth Street bridge to the confluence with the Boardman/Ottaway River near Wadsworth Street), the Boardman/Ottaway River (from Wadsworth Street to the mouth of West Grand Traverse Bay), Clinch Park Beach, and Sunset Park Beach.

The sewage discharge occurred at 8:30pm during a construction project to repair an existing sewer main, according to a Health Department release. The no-body contact advisory was issued out of "an abundance of caution," the release states. "Residents and visitors are strongly advised to avoid all body contact with water in the listed areas, including swimming, wading, and paddling, until further notice. Contact with untreated sewage-contaminated water may pose serious health risks, including gastrointestinal illness, skin irritation, and infections."

The advisory will remain in effect "until water quality testing confirms that the affected waters meet Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) standards for safe recreational use," according to the release. "Water sampling is being conducted today (August 19), and results are expected to be available by August 20. EGLE has been contacted and is actively aware of the situation."