Public Health Warning Issued Related To Recent Sewage Discharge

BOSTON – March 3, 2024 – The following is a public health warning related to several recent sewage discharges, also known as a combined sewer overflow (CSO). State regulations require local public health departments to provide notice to the public when these discharges may create a risk to public health, including when a discharge lasts for more than two hours.  

Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Outfall MWR203 at Prison Point in Charlestown experienced a discharge or overflow that started on Saturday, March 2 at 11:43pm and ended on Sunday, March 3 at 2:28am creating a potential public health risk. This event impacts the waters downriver of the Charles River Dam, Charlestown, and Inner Harbor area. This advisory will expire on Tuesday, March 5 at 2:28am, 48 hours after the overflow has ended.

Note that these data are preliminary and may be revised and additional overflows associated with this weather event may be added to the Boston Water and Sewer Commission and Massachusetts Water Resources Authority websites. Check the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website here and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission here for current updates. 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.