Damage from flooding from the Raquette River has caused at least $1 million worth of damage in Colton and Potsdam, according to the St. Lawrence County Office of Emergency Services.

Preliminary damage estimates total $800,000 in Colton and $200,000 in Potsdam, said Emergency Services Director Martin J. Hassett in a prepared release issued late this afternoon.

A number of homes and some businesses in both communities have been flooded since river levels began to rise during the last week of April. In recent days, both towns and the county have declared a state of emergency.

And at least through the weekend, water levels are not expected to go down significantly, according to Jeff Auser, chief dam safety engineer with Brookfield Renewable Power, which regulates water levels at numerous hydro-electric plants and dams along the river.

Meanwhile, Hassett is urging residents whose homes have flooded to be aware of potential serious health and safety problems.

“You should be aware that flood waters can contaminate water and food supplies, cause structural damage and can lead to moisture and mold problems,” he said.

Hassett is recommending citizens faced with cleaning up after the flood should contact their county, town or village clerk who have all been provided information on what to do to clean up after a flood. Residents may also call the state Health Department office in Canton at 386-1040.

“Contaminated water can create serious problems. Don’t treat this situation lightly,” he said.

“As the Raquette River continues to absorb the unprecedented rain fall and snowmelt runoff in the watershed, Brookfield will be maintaining releases from the Crary Falls reservoir at approximately 11,500 cubic feet per second,” said Brookfield’s Auser. The flow is nearly three times the normal level for this time of year.

“Based on real time circumstances, Brookfield will be reevaluating release levels and may make adjustments,” he said.

Hassett said county personnel are working closely with Brookfield and the National Weather Service.

He urged residents use “extreme caution” near the river. Boating of any kind is discouraged because it “would be extremely dangerous with the current flow and water temperature” he said.

For more information on the Raquette River flood warnings, visit the following websites:

South Colton: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=bvt&gage=scln6&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

Raymondville: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=bvt&gage=ryvn6&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

Piercefield: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=bvt&gage=pien6&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

Massena Springs (forecast only): http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=bvt&gage=mspn6&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1