FAIRHOPE, Ala. - An electrical failure at a lift station on Autumn Drive resulted in a spill of approximately 200 gallons of raw sewage into a tributary of Cow Pen Creek, according to a news release from the Baldwin County Health today.

The city of Fairhope's sewer department notified the county health department on April 6 that a manhole on Spring Lake Drive overflowed due to the electrical failure, resulting in the spill of untreated waste into waterways that eventually enter Mobile Bay.

Residents should exercise caution if using these water bodies for recreational purposes and to thoroughly cook any fish or seafood caught nearby and wash hands afterwards, according to the health department.