Sewer leak at 7780 62nd Ave. N.
UPDATE: The wastewater flow from the leak has been stopped. 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. Signs have been posted at boat launches and other similar facilities to alert residents.
A break in a sewer line at 7780 62nd Ave. N. is causing wastewater to be released into Joe’s Creek and neighboring areas.
Residents should refrain from participating in any recreational activity in the waterway until further notice.
The line, which carries wastewater to the South Cross Bayou Water Reclamation Facility, ruptured Saturday at approximately 11:30 p.m. It is unclear at this time if the affected pipe is 36 inches or 20 inches. It is estimated that there is 250 to 500 gallons of wastewater being released per minute.
It is believed that the excessive rain caused pressure on the system, resulting in the break.
Pinellas County Utilities crews are working to divert the discharge to other areas of the system so that the damage can be assessed and repairs initiated. It is estimated that approximately 300,000 gallons of wastewater have been discharged.
It should be noted this incident does not involve tap water. There are no restrictions on the use of tap water and there are no boil water notices issued. In addition, no Utilities customers have been affected by this sewer line break.
For more information visit
www.pinellascounty.org or contact Pinellas County Utilities Customer Service at (727) 464-4000.
