What is sewage?
The health risk from exposure to sewage is dependant on 3 key factors:
Microbes present
Duration of exposure
Method of exposure
The bacteria in raw sewage can enter the body via the nose, mouth, inhalation and open wounds; skin contact alone does not pose a health risk. However the most common method of infection is through drinking contaminated water or hand to mouth transmission.
Viruses are able to survive in the environment depending on a few factors:
Location
Type of surface contaminated
Whether disinfectants are used
Environmental conditions
How to identify a sewer spill?
If you notice water gushing from a manhole or a slow leak, it may be the start of a sewer spill. Do not dismiss wet areas that cannot be accounted for. You will need to be aware of:
Drains backing up inside the building
Water leaking around the manhole lids on your street
Seeping sewage or water from outside drains
Unusual odorous from areas such as sidewalks, external walls and the ground
