Swimming Advisory In Place Following Wastewater Pipe Break

SUNNY ISLES, FL — Residents and visitors to some of Miami-Dade County's northern-most beach communities are being advised to avoid swimming, fishing, boating and other water-based recreational activities after a 48-inch wastewater pipe broke. The break happened on Sunday near 2500 NE 163 St., according to county officials.

Residents and visitors are also being asked to conserve water to decrease 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," said Miami-Dade officials.

The contractor is installing a bypass sewer line before and after the break points on the 48-inch pipe, which is 12 feet under the water’s surface.

"The work will be done 24/7 until the spill is contained, which is expected by Thursday night," county officials said.

The affected areas include Maule Lake to the north, the Intracoastal to the east; the 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, the Oleta River State Park and beach and 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," county officials said. "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.