Study finds sewage pollution in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Milwaukee's insufficient sewer system has left the area's beaches and rivers exposed to sewage pollution, researchers warn.

The researchers say their three-year study found human waste in Wisconsin rivers and Lake Michigan, indicating people entering those bodies of water may be facing a serious health risk, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Monday.

Lead researcher Sandra McLellan of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee said several storm sewers in and around Milwaukee were found to be discharging sewage into the environment.

McLellan said viruses and other bacteria in the waste water could potentially cause illnesses. The Great Lakes WATER Institute study took place between 2006 and 2008.

Chris Magruder, a Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District community environmental liaison, said the sewage leaks could be caused by breaks or improper connections in the city's storm sewer system.

Tim Thur, chief sewer design manager for the Milwaukee Public Works Department's Infrastructure Services, told the newspaper his department would review the study and the sewer system.

"We'll follow up and try to identify the causes, and then decide how to correct the problems," he said.