BOSTON— A public health warning has been issued following a massive sewage discharge that left the waters of Fort Point Channel and the Downtown and South Boston waterfront dangerously contaminated. Officials are urging residents to steer clear of any affected waters for at least 48 hours, as reports indicate serious health risks from bacteria and pollutants lurking in the murky depths.

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission confirmed that a combined sewer overflow (CSO) incident occurred on October 13, beginning at 1:05 PM and lasting until 5:20 PM. This alarming event was triggered when an overwhelming storm caused rainwater to mix with wastewater, spilling into nearby water bodies. Local authorities emphasized that these discharges are required to be reported when they last more than two hours, as they pose significant risks to public health.

In a separate but related incident, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority disclosed another overflow at the MWR203 outfall at the Prison Point facility. This treated discharge started at 3:07 PM and ended at 6:43 PM on the same day, further exacerbating the public health concerns for the inner harbor.

Residents are advised to remain cautious and avoid any contact with these waters until at least the advisories lift, which will be on October 15. The ongoing situation has raised eyebrows about the effectiveness of the city’s sewage infrastructure, as combined sewer overflows are typically a sign of an aging system struggling to cope with heavy rainfall.

Authorities have not disclosed the costs associated with this discharge, but the implications for public health and safety are evident. The advisory highlights a long-standing issue with Boston’s sewer system, which has faced scrutiny for its ability to handle urban stormwater runoff effectively.

The public deserves more transparency regarding the state of our sewage infrastructure and the steps being taken to prevent future incidents. As the city grapples with these ongoing challenges, residents are left to wonder how many more times they will be advised to stay away from their own waters.