Sewer Leak Closes Some Bay Area Waters for Recreational Use

Pinellas County officials are working as fast as they can to repair damage to a sewer line that broke Saturday near Northside Christian School on 62nd Avenue North.

The break has caused the release of wastewater into Joe’s Creek and other neighboring areas, officials say.

“Pinellas County water quality officials are conducting tests to see how far the untreated wastewater has spread, and have issued a precautionary notice for residents to avoid recreational use of the waters in Joe’s Creek, Cross Bayou, Long Bayou and northern Boca Ciega Bay including the Bay Pines area,” an email from the county said. “Signs have been posted at boat launches and other similar facilities to alert residents.”

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County are also monitoring the situation.

The line carries sewer water to the South Cross Bayou Water Reclamation Facility. It ruptured Saturday around 11:30 p.m. and has been releasing an estimated 250 to 500 gallons of wastewater per minute since, the email said.

Tap water is not affected by the line break, the county said, adding that there are no boil water notices in affect.

It is unclear at this time how soon repairs will be made.