BOSTON ~ Boston residents are being warned of potential health risks due to recent sewage discharges, also known as combined sewer overflows (CSOs). According to state regulations, local public health departments are required to inform the public when these discharges may pose a threat to public health, especially if they last for more than two hours.

A combined sewer overflow occurs when heavy rain overwhelms the city's sewerage system, causing a mixture of rainwater and wastewater to be discharged into nearby water bodies. While this prevents sewage backups in homes and businesses, it can also lead to increased health risks from bacteria and other pollutants associated with urban stormwater runoff and untreated or partially treated wastewater. As a result, 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.

On Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 10:16 a.m., the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority Outfall MWR203 at the Prison Point facility on the Charles River in Charlestown experienced a treated discharge or overflow. The event lasted until 1:05 p.m., creating a potential public health risk. This discharge affects the waters of the lower Charles River and Inner Harbor at the Charles River Dam. The advisory will expire on Friday, October 10th at 1:05 p.m., which is 48 hours after the overflow has ended.

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In addition, Boston Water and Sewer Commission outfall BSO010 in East Boston has been experiencing an ongoing discharge or overflow since Wednesday morning at 9:10 a.m. As of Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., this event is still ongoing and poses a potential public health risk. The affected area includes the waters of the South Boston waterfront in the inner harbor. This advisory will expire 48 hours after the overflow has ended.

To stay informed about CSOs in the Boston Harbor and Fort Point Channel, residents can visit the Boston Water and Sewer Commission's CSO notification page. For notifications and alerts regarding sites on or around the Charles River, the MWRA's CSO notification page is available.

It is important for residents to take precautions and avoid contact with affected water bodies during and after sewage discharges or overflows to protect their health. By staying informed and following these guidelines, the public can help minimize potential health risks associated with combined sewer overflows.

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