Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) is prepared for 2026 Hurricane Season

With hurricane season one month away, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) is prepared to maintain essential services throughout the season. With a steadfast commitment to providing high-quality drinking water and reliable sewer service to more than 2.8 million customers, WASD is prepared to maintain operations, including during and after severe weather events.

“Miami-Dade County continues to experience more frequent and intense storms, which is why my administration is focused on both immediate preparedness and long-term infrastructure resilience,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “As we encourage residents to take proactive steps, the County is also ensuring we are ready to respond efficiently and effectively each year.”

To maintain uninterrupted operations, WASD transitions its treatment plants to generator power in advance of tropical storm-force winds, protecting against potential electrical disruptions.

“Rest assured that as you secure your homes and prepare for your family’s safety prior to a severe weather event, the Department has taken steps to ensure that our resources are sufficient to meet the needs of our customers,” said WASD Director Jay J. Fink, P.E. “The Department has fuel and water treatment supply reserves to operate on auxiliary power at the County’s three water plants with uninterrupted service for up to two weeks without supplemental deliveries.”

As the 2026 hurricane season approaches, WASD encourages all residents to review the following preparedness tips. For additional guidance, please review Miami-Dade County’s Severe Weather and Emergency Readiness Guide. 

Before the Storm:

• Make sure to have one gallon of water per person and pet per day for seven days.
• Fill water jugs and other containers on-hand with Miami-Dade County tap water once a hurricane warning is announced. These are more cost effective, sustainable and environmentally conscious than single-use water bottles. 

During and After the Storm:

• Keep manhole covers closed and sanitary cleanouts sealed. When the sanitary sewer system becomes inundated with flood waters, sewerage will likely overflow from lower manholes into streets, properties, homes and canals.
• While WASD is prepared to service Miami-Dade County before, during and after a storm, it is recommended that residents minimize water usage after a storm so as not to overly impact the water system should pressure be lower than normal. If you see something, say something.
• Due to the storm and changes in water pressure, water may appear cloudy. Let the faucet run approximately three to five minutes until this temporary, cosmetic change to the water’s appearance clears.
• If you have questions about water quality, please call 786-552-4738 if you live north of Southwest Eighth Street and 786-552-4181 if you live south of Southwest Eighth Street.
• Report flooding in your neighborhood by dialing 311 in Miami-Dade, and report damage to your home or property via the Neighborhood Damage Assessment Form online or by calling 311.
• Please refrain from using water to hose off debris after the storm. Instead, bag up the debris rather than hosing it into storm drains to minimize street flooding resulting from clogged storm drains.

Residents are encouraged to review the Miami-Dade County’s Severe Weather and Emergency Readiness Guide for additional preparedness information.