PORTLAND, Ore. -- Due to the most recent rainstorm, Portland's combined sewers have overflowed.

Portland's Environmental Services advises the public against any recreational activity in the Willamette River during which water could be swallowed.

The public should avoid the Willamette River for 48 hours after the rain has stopped. It is especially important to avoid recreational activities-such as water skiing, jet skiing or swimming.

Those who choose to eat fish caught in the Willamette River should cook them thoroughly to kill bacteria.

In many areas of Portland, sewage mixes with stormwater runoff in what is called a combined sewer system. When the system receives too much runoff, it overflows into the Willamette River.