Public Health Warning Issued Related to Recent Sewage Discharge

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.  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. 

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. 

Boston Water and Sewer Outfall BOS062 in the Fort Point Channel near the Seaport Blvd. bridge experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 8:20am and ended on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 10:50am, creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the Fort Point Channel and downtown waterfront. This advisory will expire on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10:50am, 48 hours after the overflow has ended.

Boston Water and Sewer Outfall BOS003 at Jeffries Point in East Boston experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 8:20am and ended on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 10:40am, creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the Lower Inner Harbor and East Boston waterfront. This advisory will expire on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10:40am, 48 hours after the overflow has ended.

Massachusetts Water Resource Authority outfall MWR201 located on the Charles river just upstream from the Boston University Bridge experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 10:30am and ended on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 12:18pm, creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the Charles River. This advisory will expire on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 12:18pm, 48 hours after the overflow has ended.

Massachusetts Water Resource Authority outfall MWR203 located on the Charles River at Prison Point/the Charles River Dam experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 9:16am and ended on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 12:51pm, creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the Charles River and Upper Inner Harbor. This advisory will expire on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 12:51pm, 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.

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