Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department issues No-Swim Advisory

Heavy rainfalls during the last 24 hours associated with Potential Tropical Cyclone 1 have resulted in localized sanitary sewer overflows in the central portions of Miami-Dade County. The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department’s (WASD) infrastructure is experiencing exceedingly high flows due to flooding and elevated groundwater levels throughout the community. 

WASD’s Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is permitted to receive an annual average daily flow of 143 million gallons of wastewater is currently reporting continuous flows more than 310 million gallons of wastewater and rainwater. The impacts of the more than 11 inches of precipitation experienced during this severe weather event have led to a wastewater overflow at the facility. Although the overflow is to the ground at the treatment plant site, it has the potential to mix with flood waters at the facility and flow towards adjacent surface waters. 

“We are working hard to monitor our water quality and ensure the public’s safety, as we mitigate issues related to the extremely heavy rainfall received during this severe weather event,” said WASD Director Roy Coley.

Residents can also help to mitigate wastewater overflows by:

•    Keeping manhole covers closed. Opening manhole covers can temporarily alleviate the local flood impact, but it introduces additional water to the sewer system and can cause overflows.

•    Decreasing water consumption to the extent possible while the storm and flooding are ongoing, to lessen the burden on the wastewater system.
 
WASD crews are also currently working at overflow sites located at Southwest 17th Avenue/South Dixie Highway, 6464 NE 4 Ct, and Northwest Seventh Street/Northwest 10 Avenue.

As a result, a No-Swim Advisory has been issued for the area from Bill Baggs State Park, North to the Venetian Causeway, from the mainland to the west to the beaches on the east. The No-Swim advisory also informs the public to avoid other water recreational activities such as fishing and boating. 

Sampling will be conducted by the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources for the posted waters and the advisory remains in effect until two consecutive days of clear testing occur.

It is the priority of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to provide safe, reliable service to its customers. For additional information about Department services and programs, visit the WASD website.