New MWRA Web Page for SSO Reporting

SSOs can occur on infrequent occasions when the capacity of the sewer system is exceeded, usually due to extreme conditions such as heavy rainfall, or an obstruction or break in sewer lines. During such events, flow may be discharged to local receiving waters without treatment, as a last resort to reduce the risk of sewage backing up into homes and businesses. Public health officials recommend avoiding contact with receiving waters for up to two days after SSO discharges have ended.

The new page will show the exact location of an overflow in real time, and includes data for overflows that have occurred in the last year. Copies of the official notifications to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, including the duration and volume, will also be available through the page within five days of the event.