Miami Beach Residents Urged To Cut Water Use During Pipe Repairs

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Miami Beach officials are asking residents and businesses north of Lincoln Road — including Surfside and Bal Harbour — to voluntarily limit their water usage for the next 24 hours while crews work to repair broken wastewater pipes.

"This request is as a result of Jaffer Well Drilling contractors hitting a 42-inch wastewater force main on Michigan Avenue, just north of Lincoln Road on Monday," city officials said Thursday. "The break has been causing increased flows throughout the remainder of the system, and this morning there was a 30-inch wastewater force main rupture at 28 Street and Pine Tree Drive."

City officials earlier issued a swimming advisory for Collins Canal following the incident. The City has also issued a precautionary advisory to avoid recreational water activities along the western portion of Miami Beach’s waterways. See also Miami Beach Issues Swimming Advisory

The pipe that cracked Thursday is used to pump untreated wastewater for treatment and disposal, according to Miami Beach officials.

"The break does not affect the water supply. The water is safe to drink, but the city is asking residents and businesses to please limit water use — to reduce wastewater flow to prevent further damage," officials said.

Here are specific things people can do to reduce their water usage:

• Hold off washing clothes until necessary
• Fill your dishwasher before running it
• Don't flush the toilet as much
• Take quick showers

"It is necessary to restrict water use only for the period required to fix the wastewater piping, and city crews have already begun to make repairs," city officials said. "An advisory will be issued when the repairs are completed so normal water use can resume."