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Public Health Warning Issued Related to Recent Sewage Discharge

BOSTON – JULY 30, 2023 – The following is a public health warning related to a recent sewage discharge, also known as a combined sewer overflow CSO). State regulations require local public health departments to provide notice to the public when these discharges may create a risk to public health, including when a discharge lasts for more than two hours.  

Boston Water and Sewer Commission Outflow BOS065, located in the Fort Point Channel, experienced a discharge or overflow starting on Saturday, July 29 at 5:35pm, creating a potential public health risk. The overflow ended at 8:50pm on July 29 and this advisory will expire 48 hours after the overflow has ended. Note that this data is preliminary and may be revised.  Check the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website here and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission here for current updates. This event impacts the waters of the Upper Inner Harbor Fort Point Channel.

Boston Water and Sewer Commission Outflow BOS004, located at Jeffries Point, experienced a discharge or overflow starting on Saturday, July 29 at 5:50pm, creating a potential public health risk. The overflow ended at 7:50pm on July 29 and this advisory will expire 48 hours after the overflow has ended. Note that this data is preliminary and may be revised. Check the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website here and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission here for current updates. This event impacts the waters of the Lower Inner Harbor and East Boston.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Outflow MWR023, located near the Charles River, experienced a discharge or overflow starting on Saturday, July 29 at 5:15pm, creating a potential public health risk. The overflow ended at 10:03pm on July 29, and this advisory will expire 48 hours after the overflow has ended. Note that this data is preliminary and may be revised. Check the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website here and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission here for current updates. 

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Outflow MWR201, located near the Charles River, experienced a discharge or overflow starting on Saturday, July 29 at 6:32pm, creating a potential public health risk. The overflow ended at 11:11pm on July 29 and this advisory will expire 48 hours after the overflow has ended. Note that this data is preliminary and may be revised. Check the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website here and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission here for current updates. This event may impact the Charles River.

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.  

A combined sewer overflow occurs when a large storm overwhelms the combined sewerage system causing rainwater to mix with wastewater and discharge to a nearby water body. This prevents sewage backups into homes and businesses.  

More information about CSOs and public health is available at www.boston.gov/cso.   

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