Precautionary No-Swim Advisory issued for Virginia Key, Key Biscayne and Fisher Island

Following a temporary power outage at the Ocean Outfall Pump Station located at the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant at Virginia Key, approximately three million gallons of treated/chlorinated effluent overflowed, of which a portion discharged into Shrimper’s Lagoon. Department staff resolved the outage and the station resumed normal operations. 

However, in an overabundance of caution, a no-swim advisory is being issued for the waters of Virginia Key, Village of Key Biscayne, and Fisher Island. Sampling of the surrounding waterways, including Biscayne Bay will be conducted by the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources.

Signs will be placed designating the affected areas and the advisory will remain in effect until two consecutive days of clear testing occur. We will continue to communicate with the public until the advisory has been lifted.

The No-Swim Advisory also informs people to avoid other water recreational activities within the boundaries such as fishing and boating.

It is the priority of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to provide safe, reliable service to its customers. For additional information about Department services and programs, visit the WASD website.