Lansing Water Circus paused due to sewage discharge in Lansing Mall parking lot

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The Cirque Italia Water Circus at the Lansing Mall has been put on hold due to a sewage spill.

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) on Friday said it confirmed a discharge of sewage and wastewater onto the ground in the parking lot at 5330 W. Saginaw Highway on Lansing’s west side.

The Water Circus, which was scheduled to open to the public Friday and run through Monday, includes onsite campers and temporary campground operations for event staff and workers, according to the health department.

A spokesperson for the health department told News 10 Lansing the sewage leaked out of the campers, but it’s not exactly clear how much sewage was discharged or when it happened.

Friday night’s event has been canceled, but the rest of the weekend’s festivities could go forward, pending re-inspection, the spokesperson said. Because the event has been canceled, the spokesperson said there is a very low risk to the public.

Health officials say they are “working with event operators and property representatives to address the issue and ensure steps are taken to protect public health and safety.”

Because the site is being used for a public event with expected visitors, immediate action is needed to reduce the risk to public health.

“Temporary campground operations and wastewater systems at the site must meet health and licensing requirements approved by BEDHD. Untreated sewage and wastewater can spread germs, cause illness, and create unsafe conditions for the public and event staff,” the department said in a press release.

Officials said conditions at the site “constitute an imminent public health hazard requiring immediate corrective action.”

This is a developing story. Stay with News 10 Lansing for the latest updates as they become available.

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