Stop Sewage Pollution
Aging sewer systems are leaking millions of gallons of wastewater into our waterways—threatening public health and Biscayne Bay.
A Hidden Infrastructure Crisis
Miami-Dade and Broward counties rely on aging sewage infrastructure, much of it 50 to 100 years old.
Cracked pipes, equipment failures, and increasing pressure from population growth have led to repeated sewage leaks, sending millions of gallons of wastewater into our waterways.
How Sewage Pollution Happens
Sewer systems can fail in two main ways:
- Leaks and breaks: Aging pipes crack, allowing sewage to escape into groundwater and surrounding areas.
- Overflows (SSOs): Heavy rain, flooding, and rising groundwater overwhelm the system, causing untreated sewage to spill into streets, storm drains, and waterways.
Most storm drains flow directly into canals and Biscayne Bay without treatment.
Sea Level Rise Is Making It Worse
As sea level rises, groundwater rises with it.
That groundwater can seep into cracked sewer pipes, overwhelming the system and increasing the risk of leaks and overflows.
Flooding and extreme rainfall are becoming more frequent, putting even more pressure on aging infrastructure.
What This Means for Our Community
Sewage pollution impacts:
- Public health through exposure to harmful bacteria
- Water quality in canals, rivers, and Biscayne Bay
- Marine life through nutrient pollution and oxygen loss
- Local economy through beach closures and lost tourism
Clean water is essential for our health, environment, and economy.