Aerial Sediment (IMAGE) Michigan Technological University Caption During flash flooding, water treatment systems can become overwhelmed, allowing untreated effluent and household chemicals to flow into local waterways. Credit Sarah Bird/Michigan Tech Usage Restrictions Please credit all photos to photographer and university. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.