There may be sewage in Biscayne Bay near Miami Beach. City says don’t touch the water
Sewage may have seeped into Biscayne Bay and the waterways of Miami Beach after a contractor ruptured a sewage pipe Monday, which resulted in two other wastewater pipes bursting.
The city issued a “no contact” advisory to residents Thursday, warning them not to swim or even touch the bay water near Miami Beach or the water in the western portion of the city’s waterways.
“The City of Miami Beach has issued a precautionary advisory to avoid recreational water activities along the western portion of Miami Beach’s waterways,” a city statement reads.
Earlier on Thursday, Miami Beach asked residents and businesses citywide, as well as in Surfside and Bal Harbour Village, to use less water at least until Friday at 10 a.m. to reduce the amount of water entering the sewage system.
Two wastewater main breaks, one Monday and one Thursday morning, caused Miami Beach to ask people to help cut down on the wastewater flow until they can make repairs.
So, limit washing clothes by machine or hand and using dishwashers; keep showers short; and don’t flush the toilet after every use.
The city says this tracks back to Monday, when Jaffer Well Drilling broke a 42-inch wastewater main on Michigan Avenue, near Lincoln Road. With other pipes having to bear a greater load, a 30-inch main burst near 28th Street and Pine Tree Drive Thursday morning. An additional smaller break occurred on 72nd Street and Harding Avenue.
“Passersby should exercise caution along the streets and sidewalks in the vicinity of this area, along with 28th Street and Pine Tree Drive,” a city statement reads.
Public beaches along the Atlantic coast have not been affected. The city will post advisories at public waterway access points.
This story was originally published March 5, 2020 at 10:32 AM.
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