Miami-Dade Swimming Advisory Extended Over Massive Sewage Spill

SUNNY ISLES, FL — A Miami-Dade swimming and boating advisory has been extended over a massive sewage spill that had surpassed 1,047,522 gallons as of Thursday night, according to the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.

A two-inch by three-inch break in a 48-inch wastewater pipe has prompted county officials to warn residents and visitors in some of the county's northern-most beach communities to avoid swimming, fishing, boating and other water-based recreational activities. The break happened on Aug. 11 near 2500 NE 163 St.

Residents and visitors in affected areas are being asked to conserve water to decrease the impact to the wastewater system.

"Because the spill is ongoing, the precautionary advisory to avoid recreational water activities including swimming, fishing and boating remains in effect," county officials said on Friday.

County officials had previously said the work was expected to be completed by Thursday night.

"The contractor is working to install a plug to the line that would isolate the broken pipe segment — that is more than 12 feet under the water’s surface," county officials said.

The boundaries include Maule Lake to the north, the Intracoastal to the east;

Haulover Inlet (including the Haulover Beach just north of the inlet) to the south and the mainland to the west.

Other affected areas include Greynolds Park, Oleta River State Park and beach as well as the beaches located 500 feet to the north and south of the Haulover Inlet and the beach located in the City of Bal Harbour just south of the Haulover Inlet.

"The department is unable to turn off the flow to the wastewater line that transports wastewater west to the North District Wastewater Treatment Plant because it would impact sewer service to the cities of Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach and the Eastern Shores community of North Miami Beach," said county officials. "These communities will not notice any disruption of service."

Officials said signage has been posted in the affected areas. The advisory will remain in effect until two consecutive days of clear testing occur after repairs are completed.

"It is the priority of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to provide safe, reliable service to its customers," county officials added.

For more information, visit the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department website.