Contaminated floodwaters spur warning as Harney County braces for more rapid snowmelt

Flooding has put an Oregon city’s sewer system at the point of collapse

Flooding from the Silvies River swamped the sewage system in Burns, Ore., sparking fears about public health.

Contaminated floodwaters spur warning as Harney County braces for more rapid snowmelt

Floodwaters in Burns have tested positive for E. coli as authorities continued Wednesday to respond to a strained sewer system, shore up a crucial levee and get ready for more rapid snowmelt next week.Harney County and the Burns Paiute Reservation have been dealing with days of flooding from rapid snowmelt and rain that has displaced dozens of residents and closed schools for the rest of the week.

E. coli found in Harney County floodwater amid recovery efforts

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – As major flooding continues to inundate Harney County and the Burns Paiute Reservation, officials are warning community members of an E. coli contamination detected in the floodwaters. "Historic" levels of rainfall and snowmelt caused the flood, which began March 14 in Harney County and nearby areas, which has overwhelmed rivers, streams and wastewater systems, according to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. "Our …

‘A health hazard:’ Oregon flooding damages a city’s sewer system

Flooding from the Silvies River swamped the sewage system in Burns, Oregon, sparking fears about public health.

Silvies River flooding prompts evacuations in Burns

HARNEY COUNTY — On the morning of March 29, the Silvies River near Burns reached 14.76 feet, which is close to the record of 15.2 feet, according to the National Water Prediction Service.

Snowmelt floods Southeastern, South Central Oregon

Snowmelt runoff and ongoing precipitation continue to flood Burns Paiute Reservation in Harney County.