Lifted: Public Health Warning Issued Related To Recent Sewage Discharge

These advisories have expired. There are currently 0 active public health warnings.

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 BOS004 in the Fort Point Channel near W. Fourth Street experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Wednesday, December 11 at 6:40 p.m. and ended on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:45 p.m., creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the lower Inner Harbor and the Jeffries Point area of East Boston. This advisory will expire on Friday, December 13th at 11;45pm, 48 hours after the overflow has ended.

Boston Water and Sewer Outfall BOS070 in the Fort Point Channel near W. Fourth Street experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Wednesday, December 11th at 5:15pm and ended on Thursday, December 12 at 12:15 a.m., 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, December 14 at 12:15 a.m., 48 hours after the overflow has ended.

Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Outfall MWR201 in the Charles River Basin Upstream of the Boston University Bridge experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Wednesday, December 11 at 8:05 p.m. and ended on Thursday, December 12 at 12:07 a.m., creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the Charles River basin downstream to the Inner Harbor. This advisory will expire on Saturday, December 14 at 12:07 a.m., 48 hours after the overflow has ended.

Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Outfall MWR203 at the Prison Point facility on the Charles River in Charlestown experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Wednesday, December 11 at 3:47 p.m. and ended on Thursday, December 12 at 12:49 a.m., creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters of the Charles River and Inner Harbor. This advisory will expire on Saturday, December 14 at 12:49 a.m., 48 hours after the overflow has ended.

Note that this data is preliminary and may be revised. Check the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission for current updates.

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

• Published by: Boston Public Health Commission