Myrtle Beach says to avoid Withers Swash after sewage spill

The city of Myrtle Beach is repairing an air release valve that failed a 20-inch sewer force main, sending an estimated 50,000 gallons of untreated sewage into a nearby drainage ditch that flows into Withers Swash.

People are encouraged to avoid any contact with Withers Swash as groups test the water quality. No other precautions are advised at this time.

Myrtle Beach experienced a sewage leak from a two-inch pipe on Fifth Avenue South near KOA Campground, according to a release from the city Monday. The leak occurred when the valve failed the sewer force main.

The sewage leak was discovered Sunday morning. City staff stopped the leak and disinfected the ditch on Sunday, according to the release. Crews were working to repair the air release valve Monday morning.

The city notified the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and requested that Coastal Carolina University take in-stream swash and ocean water quality samples Monday. Results from those tests are expected to be available Tuesday.

Until the results are in, the city is advising that high bacteria levels may result in gastroenteritis, which can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, headache and/or diarrhea. Contact with contaminated water may also cause eye, ear, nose and throat infections, according to the release.

This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Myrtle Beach says to avoid Withers Swash after sewage spill."