Recent sewage discharge prompts public health warning for Boston residents

BOSTON — Health officials are warning the public after a combined sewer overflow in the areas around the Charles River Tuesday morning.

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Outflow MWR023, located near the Charles, experienced a treated discharge of sewage around 11:36 a.m., creating a potential public health risk that ended around 4:06 p.m., according to authorities.

Officials say another MWRA facility, located in the Charles River upstream of the BU Bridge, experienced a similar overflow around 11:56 a.m. and ended around 3 p.m.

The Boston area experienced heavy rains and winds for much of the mid-morning.

Residents are advised to avoid contact with affected water bodies for at least the next 48 hours and are reminded not to go swimming in affected areas during a rainstorm, after a discharge or overflow, or 48 hours after a rainstorm due to a heightened health risk from bacteria or other pollutants.

“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,” the Boston Public Health Commission said. “This prevents sewage backups into homes and businesses.”

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