Public works officials have warned Redwood Shores residents to stay away from lagoon water after a ruptured pipe leaked an estimated 5,000 gallons of raw sewage into streets, homes and the surrounding lagoon.
Maintenance crews have reached the underground pipe near Davit Lane and Anchor Circle, which is believed to have broken Wednesday at around 3 p.m.
Pressure from the rupture began pushing raw sewage through buckling asphalt onto the street, and into the garages of six nearby homes, Redwood City spokesman Malcolm Smith said in a statement.
Some of the sewage also made its way into the Redwood Shores Lagoon, prompting the warning to residents to avoid touching the water.
"Residents are advised to avoid any contact with the lagoon water until further notice - no swimming, boating, kayaking or touching the water," Smith said. "Warning signs have been posted at beaches."
Crews and contractors remained at the scene at 1:30 p.m., pumping groundwater away from the broken pipe so they can begin repairs.
"I can tell you there is no flow currently going into the lagoon," Acting Public Works Director Marilyn Harang said this afternoon.
Runoff sewage was being pumped unto tanker trucks and transported to a nearby sewage plant.
Officials could not estimate when the rupture might be repaired, but said they will keep residents updated with automated phone calls.
Peninsula Sewage Spill Total: 5,000 Gallons
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