MADISON, Wis. -- Authorities said that a vehicle crash early Friday morning knocked out power to the Madison Metropolitan Sewage District, causing sewage backup and overflow into Squaw Bay and the Yahara River.

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Officials said that the crash at 12:30 a.m. Friday knocked out both electric power feeds to the Madison Metropolitan Sewage District pumping station on Bridge Road. They said power was not restored until 4:45 a.m.

Sewage backed up in the system and eventually overflowed into Squaw Bay and into the Yahara River at Bridge Road.

As a result of the sewage release, Public Health Madison and Dane County has closed all Lake Monona beaches until further notice.

Health officials said that sewage contains high levels of pathogenic microorganisms and that swimming in contaminated waters carries significant health risks. They said that wading, playing or diving in contaminated waters also exposes the swimmer to a high risk of contacting gastrointestinal illnesses.

Officials said this sewage release could also affect the lakes downstream of Lake Monona, including Lake Waubesa and Lake Kegonsa.

MMSD officials said in a news release it is possible that "quite a few" basements in the area might have been affected.

Bill Krebsbach, a homeowner in the area of the backup, had to deal with some of the sewage on his property.

"At about 20 after 3, she started bubbling, and I said to my wife, we got to get the pumps going," said Krebsbach.

Krebsbach said he's lucky he woke up when his power went out early Friday morning and saw sewage backing up into his Monona home.

"The guys next door to me got hit a little big heavier than I did. They got a foot of it or a foot and a half, whatever it is down there," said Krebsbach.

A vehicle hit a utility pole knocking out primary and secondary power to the Madison Metro Sewage District's busiest pump station.

Facility director Jon Schellpfeffer said without power, sewage lines backed up and overflowed into Lake Monona and the Yahara River.

The pump station at Bridge Road handles nearly half of all sewage passing through the treatment plant.

It's not known how much sewage was released, but officials estimate several thousand gallons -- enough to potentially cause health problems for anyone in contact with the contaminated water, WISC-TV reported.

"There could be disease-causing organisms in there," said Schellpfeffer. "It could be as mild as an upset stomach or diarrhea, or something much more serious."

For homeowners like Krebsbach, the backup is even more frustrating, knowing nature didn't cause this flood but there's nothing they can do.

"I've been up since quarter after one, so you know, it bothers you, but I understand the situation, and it's tough," said Krebsbach.

The situation could have been much worse, had it occurred at a time of day when sewage use is heavier.

Wastewater officials said they're taking a look at additional backup measures for the pumping station -- possibly an on-site power generator, to prevent a similar situation in the future, WISC-TV reported.

The Public Health Madison and Dane County laboratory carries out regular testing of all Madison beaches. Updated information on the status of all beaches, including those that are now closed, can be found at this Web site.