Health Officials Raise Alarms After Sewage Discharge In Boston Inner Harbor

Health officials are warning the public to stay away from the water in Boston Inner Harbor following a sewage discharge earlier this week.

State health officials issued an advisory Thursday, Dec. 1, to avoid the water in Boston Inner Harbor after a storm caused a sewage overflow.
Photo Credit: *Unsplash/Yuval Zukerman*

Josh Lanier

12/01/2022 2:42 p.m.

The Water Resources Authority said the overflow happened around 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 after a vicious storm hit the area with heavy rains and high winds. Water upstream of North Washington Street Bridge should be avoided for two days minimum.

"The public is advised to avoid contact with affected water bodies for at least 48 hours after a sewage discharge or overflow, during rainstorms, and for 48 hours after rainstorms end, due to increased health risks from bacteria or other pollutants associated with urban stormwater runoff and discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater.," the warning said.

The overflow wasn't an accident. It's a design feature to protect people's property. When heavy rains overwhelm the system, the discharge prevents sewage from backing up in homes and businesses, authorities said.

Updates and other warnings are posted on Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's website.

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