Sewage spill in Altamonte Springs prompts city officials to close off parts of Lake Orienta

An unknown amount of sewage leaked into Lake Orienta in Altamonte Springs on Monday, prompting city officials to warn residents against using the lake recreationally.

In an email, Diana Lopez, a strategic program manager with the city, said problems with a valve on a sewer pipe led to the spill. She adds environmental officials do not yet know how much sewage was discharged into the lake.

Liquid sewage leaked from a manhole into a stormwater inlet on Lake Orienta Drive and into Lake Orienta, Lopez said in the email.

All property owners with lake access have been notified of the sewage leak, along with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, she said.

As a precaution, city officials say the public should avoid swimming, wading or fishing in the lake until the city ensures the water is safe.

Until then, the lake’s public ramp will be closed. Officials put up signs notifying the public not to use the lake until further notice, Lopez said in the email.