Residents of Fairhope are encouraged to use caution after an estimated 7,500 of sewage drained into Mobile Bay at Pier Avenue and South Mobile Street.

A press release from the city on Monday, Nov. 13, stated an issue with a grease blockage upstream from the Pier/Mobile lift station is to blame. The spill occurred Sunday, Nov. 12, between 11:09 a.m. and 12:39 p.m. The area was cleaned and disinfected with bleach.

The Fairhope Water and Wastewater Department urges residents to exercise caution using this water body for recreational purposes. Also, thoroughly cook any fish or seafood caught nearby, and wash hands after handling fish or seafood.

Monitoring is ongoing and the results will be submitted to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.