EL DORADO HILLS (Sept 24, 2024) — Local officials are urging the public to stay clear of Browns Ravine at Folsom Lake after a sewage spill from a leaky pipe contaminated the water late Sunday evening. The leak occurred on Green Valley Road, near Francisco Drive, when an aging pipe gave way, according to El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) spokesperson Jesse Saich. The spill began around 9:30 p.m., and despite swift efforts to mitigate the issue, some sewage made its way into Folsom Lake.
Pump trucks were dispatched within half an hour to contain the spill, but residents in the Rolling Hills Estates neighborhood found sewage pooling into driveways. David Michael, a resident of the community, described the scene as unsettling: “It was brown with stuff floating in it, and it was bunching up into certain driveways.” He captured video footage of the mess, which quickly circulated through local social media.
The ruptured pipe was repaired by noon on Monday, and EID reports no interruption to local sewage services. Water testing at Browns Ravine is ongoing to determine the extent of the contamination, but results may take several days. Saich emphasized that the water would continue to be monitored until it is deemed safe, though there has been no formal timeline.
In the meantime, red warning signs have been posted at Browns Ravine, cautioning the public to avoid the water due to the raw sewage hazard. However, Michael expressed frustration with the lack of broader public announcements regarding the contamination of Folsom Lake. “I wouldn’t be going in that water personally,” he said, voicing concerns about potential contamination beyond the immediate area of Browns Ravine.
The faulty pipe, which has a history of issues, is slated for replacement soon, according to Saich. In the meantime, EID has notified El Dorado County Environmental Health and continues to follow its established protocols. While the immediate crisis appears to be under control, residents remain wary as they await test results and further updates.
