LAKELAND, Fla. — More than 260,000 gallons of raw sewage poured into Lake Parker Thursday.

That’s the latest estimate from Lakeland’s Wastewater Collections Manager Richard Ruede, who initially estimated 500,000 gallons of wastewater had spilled into the lake. 

  • City workers removing tree stumps accidentally struck sewer line
  • Initial estimate based on station pumping rate
  • Fish kill due to sewage spill possible

Ruede said the initial estimate was based on the station pumping rate, and the presumption that 80 percent of the wastewater escaped through the ruptured portion of the pipe.

After looking at the actual damage, he said it wasn’t as extensive as they thought, which led to lowering the estimate. 

Ruede said city workers were removing tree stumps when they accidentally hit a sewer line. City Manager Tony Delgado called the spill an accident and said there would be a review of best practices, but at this point, he doesn’t foresee any dismissals.

This photo shows sewage spilling into Lake Parker in Lakeland after city crews removing tree stumps accidentally struck a sewer pipe on Thursday, August 16, 2018. (Photo courtesy Beverly Thomas)

Fish kill possible 

Lakeshore Neighbors Association President Janet Pultz was upset about the spill, and said the stump removal crew should’ve known the sewer line was there. 

“I’m telling you I was down here yesterday," Pultz said. "The smell was terrible, and you could see the raw sewage running out and running right into the drain into our lake."

"I’m a bird lover and I love wildlife," she continued, "and I hope we don’t have a bad kill of bird and fish because it wasn’t necessary."

Ruede said there is a potential for fish kill. There was one dead fish laying in the front yard of a home facing where the spill happened, at the corner of W. Parker St, and E, Valencia St. 

Contractors fixed the broken sewer line Friday morning, but city officials said they’re still unsure how long it will take for the lake’s ecosystem to break down the contaminated water in the lake. 

“The stormwater division is testing that, and the results of those tests will dictate when it’s cleaned up,” said Bill Anderson, the Director of Water Utilities. 

The city received its test results from the laboratory around 4:30 p.m. Friday. Laurie Smith, manager of the city's Lakes & Stormwater Division, said the results indicated the sewage was contained in the immediate area of the spill and had dissipated as it entered the lake. 

Ruede estimated the lake has 5.3 billion gallons of water in it. 

What happens next

Smith hopes the barrier they put up, along with vegetation in the area, will prevent the contaminated water from spreading. 

The incident has been reported to the state, and Smith said results from Thursday’s sampling would also be sent to the Department of Environmental Protection.

Delgado said he isn’t sure yet whether the city will get fined by the agency. 

In the meantime, the city is advising people to avoid swimming or fishing in the lake. The Department of Health in Polk County said the contaminated water presents “several health risks to humans. Untreated human sewage with microbes could cause gastrointestinal issues and other conditions.”

They advise “anyone who comes into contact with the lake water should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking. Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to disease so every precaution should be taken if in contact with the lake water.”

Additionally, lakefront owners using lake water for irrigation are advised not to irrigate for the next few days.