Dry Run Creek in Anderson Township is off-limits after crews found sewage in the water near State Route 32 and 8 Mile Road, Hamilton County health officials said today. Residents and pet owners are being urged to steer clear of the creek, with officials warning that contact with the contaminated water could make people sick. The health alert covers swimming, boating, fishing and any activity that puts bare skin in the creek.
Per Hamilton County Public Health, people should avoid Dry Run Creek entirely and keep pets away from any potentially contaminated water. The agency said even brief contact or swallowing creek water can cause gastrointestinal problems and other infections. Concerns about water quality or possible sewage leaks can be reported to the county stormwater hotline at (513) 946-7000.
Where the discharge was found
Crews tracked sewage to an area along State Route 32 near 8 Mile Road in Anderson Township, according to WLWT, which reported that workers diverted the flow and stopped the visible leak while they continue tracing the source. That stretch of Dry Run Creek cuts through a mix of residential properties and wooded streamside areas where people often walk dogs or cast a line on nicer days.
In a statement to WLWT, Craig Davidson said, "The safety and health of Hamilton County residents and visitors is a top priority for all agencies involved." He thanked responding crews for their work and said officials would keep up water sampling and public notifications as needed.
Who’s responding and the bigger picture
The Metropolitan Sewer District has Dry Run-area sewer upgrades on its long-running capital improvement list, part of a broader push to cut overflows and shore up aging infrastructure. MSD consent-decree planning documents show multiple Dry Run sewer projects in the pipeline, highlighting years-long investment in the watershed, according to the Metropolitan Sewer District.
How to protect yourself
Public health guidance is straightforward here: skip the swimming, boating and wading, and do not let pets jump in or drink from any water that might be contaminated. If you accidentally come into contact with creek water, wash exposed skin and clothing thoroughly as soon as possible.
The EPA recommends local advisories or closures after sewage breaks to cut the risk of illness from recreational water. The CDC also cautions people not to swim in water that could contain sewage and notes that these alerts are an important tool to prevent recreational water illnesses.
If you or your pet develop vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or skin infections after contact with Dry Run Creek, health officials say you should contact your healthcare provider and report concerns to Hamilton County Public Health at the stormwater hotline listed above.
