Public health warning issued following overflow of sewage in Boston
A public health warning has been issued following a sewage overflow in Boston, officials announced Thursday.
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Outflow MWR203 in the Upper Inner Harbor, upstream of North Washington St. Bridge, experienced a treated discharge or overflow on Wednesday evening, according to the Boston Public Health Commission.
The overflow started around 8:30 p.m. and ended at 10:30 p.m., creating a potential public health risk, the BPHC said.
This advisory will expire Friday at 10:30 p.m., exactly 48 hours after the overflow ended.
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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