Floating Clumps In River Algae, Not Sewage

INDIANAPOLIS -- An outbreak of algae prompted dozens of calls reporting raw sewage floating in the White River, state officials said.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management confirmed that floating brown clumps are actually clusters of single-cell algae, brought out by recent rain.

Angie Trusty, who lives near the river at 75th Street and Keystone Avenue, said she was alarmed when she woke up Monday.

"When we saw all this stuff floating down the river we were really concerned to know what it was," she said. "I hope it is what they and that the river will be beautiful again shortly."

Officials said they have checked all of the water treatment plants along the river and that everything is operating normally.

While the algae isn't harmful, IDEM officials recommend people do not handle or swim through it.